Second set of measures on national level
Over the course of the weekend, the government received a lot of criticism on not closing schools.
The Federation of Medical Specialists (Federatie van Medisch Specialisten) urgently advised the
government to close all schools, to contain the spread of COVID-19.
Due to social pressure the
government announced a second set of measures on Sunday 15 March. From then on food and drink
establishments, sports and fitness clubs, saunas, sex clubs and coffee shops had to close; churches and
mosques cancelled their services. And all schools and nurseries had to close. Teachers were asked to
organise online education for children at home, with a priority for students who are preparing for their
finals in secondary education and in secondary vocational education;
For children of parents in jobs in essential processes childcare is organized in schools and nurseries,
so that their parents can continue to work. This care is at no extra cost and only applies to children
with both their parents in these jobs.
Parents who are not in essential jobs and who cannot organize
the care or schooling for their children differently and therefore cannot work at home, can take paid
leave that is available for unforeseen and special circumstances paid by their employer.
These
measures, including the measures that were taken earlier, were extended until Monday 6 April.
Closure of nursing homes\
On 20 March, nursing homes and small-scale residential accommodation for the elderly will be closed
to visitors and anyone not involved in the provision of basic care. This measure will apply nationwide
until at least 6 April inclusive. It is designed to better protect vulnerable elderly against coronavirus
(COVID-19).
Third set of national measures on national level
On 23 March 2020, the national government announced a third set of measures.
From then on all
gatherings are banned up to June 1 2020, with an exception for funerals and church weddings. Even
gatherings of less than 100 people are banned. This is a tightening of the existing ban (that applied up
to 6 April). People should remain home unless they have to go out to work, to do shopping or to care
for other people. People can go out for a walk to get some fresh air, but not in a group. Also people
have to keep 1.5 metres away from others and are not allowed to gather with more than three persons
within and outside their homes. If any member of a family has a fever, the entire family should stay
home, apart from people in an essential profession. Shops and public transport companies must take
measures to ensure people remain 1.5 meters apart. Services, which involve direct contact with others,
such as hairdressers and nail bars, are closed until April 6. Casinos are also being closed. The ban on
gatherings does not apply to public markets as these play a crucial role in bringing food to consumers
in some parts of the country. Establishments such as holiday parks must put measures in place so that
people keep a distance of 1.5 meters from each other. Failing this, Mayors may order these locations
to close. Mayors may designate areas, like parks, beaches or neighborhoods, where people are not
4
Van der Naald, N., and Reijnen Rutten, E. (2020), Kritiek op corona-maatregelen zwelt aan: ,,Niet alleen Brabant, maar
heel Nederland in sociale quarantaine”, De Gelderlander, 11 March 2020, available at
https://www.gelderlander.nl/nijmegen-e-o/kritiek-op-corona-maatregelen-zwelt-aan-niet-alleen-brabant-maar-heel-
nederland-in-sociale-quarantaine~adf78073/
NOS (2020), Federatie Medisch Specialisten: 'Sluit per direct alle scholen', NOS, 14 March 2020, available at
https://nos.nl/artikel/2327110-federatie-medisch-specialisten-sluit-per-direct-alle-scholen.html
The Netherlands, National Government (Rijksoverheid) (2020), ‘Aanvullende maatregelen onderwijs, horeca, sport’, News
release, 15 March 2020, available at https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2020/03/15/aanvullende-maatregelen-
onderwijs-horeca-sport
FNV (2020), ‘Coronavirus onze antwoorden op veelgestelde vragen’, News release, 15 March 2020, available at
https://www.fnv.nl/nieuwsbericht/algemeen-nieuws/2020/03/coronavirus-onze-antwoorden-op-veelgestelde-
vragen#kinddderopvang
The Netherlands, National Government (Rijksoverheid) (2020), ‘'Bezoek aan verpleeghuizen niet langer mogelijk
vanwege corona', News release, 19 March 2020, available at:
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2020/03/19/bezoek-aan-verpleeghuizen-niet-langer-mogelijk-vanwege-corona
The Netherlands, National Government (Rijksoverheid) (2020), ‘Aangescherpte maatregelen om het coronavirus onder
controle te krijgen, News release,, 23 March 2020, available at:
https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2020/03/23/aangescherpte-maatregelen-om-het-coronavirus-onder-controle-te-
krijgen