New Coronavirus regulations- and the CovidCheck App!

Since Saturday 25th, the Netherlands has officially stopped holding by the 1.5-metrer social distancing regulation. To make sure that the Coronavirus stays in check, however access to restaurants, bars, and events will be based on providing a “EU Digital COVID Certificate” (DCC). This certificate (in the form of a QR code) shows your vaccine and/or test status.

The certificate will be accessible to people, who are either (fully) vaccinated, have recovered from the virus, or have been tested negative via the CoronaCheck app. You can also download and print a paper version of the certificate via the CoronaCheck website.

Many Internationals received their vaccination outside of the Netherlands, prior to their arrival or during their stay home in summer. In the Netherlands registered vaccinations will be transferred automatically to the CoronaCheck app, but vaccinations done outside of the European Union require scheduling an appointment with the GGD, located in Utrecht. EU citizens should receive a DCC in the country in which they were vaccinated, which they can use in the Netherlands.

The IWCN has written a full guide on the subject, available here.

Covid-regulations – 26 June Update

On 26 June the Netherlands will be taking the fourth step in the reopening plan and everything will reopen.

You must still maintain a distance of 1.5 metres apart. However in places where this is not possible, such as in nightclubs and at organised events, you will need a coronavirus entry pass (visit coronacheck.nl for more info).

In addition, the requirement to wear a face mask will no longer apply in most situations. It will continue to apply only in situations where staying 1.5 apart is impossible. For example on public transport, on aeroplanes and other forms of passenger transport, at stations and airports, and in secondary schools.

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To the beach! The best places to dip your toes in Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe

After an exceptionally long spring (that often felt more like autumn), filled with lockdowns, curfews, and sideways rain; summer seems to have bloomed in the North. With temperatures in the next few weeks reaching the heady heights of almost 25 degrees centigrade (!), here’s some of the best places to head to for beach tennis, sandcastle-building, and maybe even a spot of light swimming.

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Covid-regulations – 3 March Update

The coronavirus measures are testing everyone’s resilience, both physically and mentally. The longer the crisis continues, the more difficult it becomes for everyone. Now that a year has passed, the pandemic’s social and economic effects are mounting dramatically.

The government remains focused on protecting people in at-risk groups, and ensuring healthcare remains accessible to those in need. The rise of the British coronavirus variant means that the daily infection rate is now dropping less, or even increasing, compared with a few weeks ago. A third wave of infections seems unavoidable.

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