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.

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.

Continue reading “Covid-regulations – 26 June Update” →

The number of people being admitted to hospital with COVID-19 is falling rapidly. And more and more people are being vaccinated.

In the third step of the reopening plan the measures below will be lifted or relaxed as of 5 June. All other measures and the basic rules will continue to apply to everyone.

Continue reading “Covid-regulations – 5 June Update” →

The Dutch Prime Minister gave a press conference on Tuesday several stronger Coronavirus regulations, including shutting all hospitality outlets for two weeks, and banning the sale of alcohol after 20:00 (including in shops).

Cafés, restaurants, hotels can remain open for take-away service, with Rutte describing it as a ‘partial lockdown’. The amount of people allowed to meet inside has been reduced to 30, and everyone in the Netherlands has been asked to work from home as much as possible. Shops have also been asked to minimise the number of visitors inside at one time, and uphold the 1.5-metre social distancing rule.

Face-masks will now be required in all schools, for all age groups- though this will remain ‘urgent advice’ until it is written into law.

Dutch residents are also being asked not to play group or team sports, however the Cabinet has decided against banning holidays, instead requesting that people not travel to ‘orange list’ countries.

The measures will remain in place for four weeks, with a review after 14 days.

The full regulations are available to read on the Dutch government’s website, and The Northern Times.

At Connect International, we understand the worry and inconvenience that lockdowns have on everyone’s lives. We are aiming to maintain as many activities as we can (online and with the 4-people limitation groups) so that everyone can continue to connect with other people. If your mental health is suffering due to the new regulations, the IWCN has a web-page with some links you may find useful, too.

If you have symptoms such as a cold, cough, fever or sudden loss of smell or taste, you can get tested to see if you are infected with coronavirus.

The Dutch government has announced new, tighter measures to combat the increasingly quick spread of the Coronavirus in the Netherlands in recent weeks.

Continue reading “Updated Corona Regulations from 19 August 2020” →

On Monday 11 May, certain COVID-19 restrictions began to be relaxed at the local or neighborhood level in the Netherlands. These restrictions will only stay relaxed if the virus remains under control. If the circumstances so warrant, any decision to relax measures can and must be reversed.

Continue reading “Relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions” →