The further relaxation of the corona rules that could come into effect in the Netherlands from 11 May, such as the opening of gyms and zoos, will take longer. The government thinks the number of admissions of corona patients to hospitals and intensive care is still too high, according to the Government Information Service.
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On Sunday, the retiring government would consult at the Catshuis about the second step of the so-called opening plan. But that meeting will be moved to next weekend. A press conference will follow on Tuesday 11 May. The next date for the easing to take effect is likely May 18. The press conference scheduled for next Monday is canceled.
It is not yet known what the shift will mean for the rest of the opening plan. The third step was scheduled for May 26, if the corona figures would allow it. From then on, our northern neighbors would again be able to receive four people at home and eat out again in catering establishments.
“Decrease not enough”
However, the government does see that the corona figures “have peaked”. Yet that decrease is not yet sufficient to be able to “take the second step of the opening plan responsibly”, says Minister of Health Hugo de Jonge.
He said on Friday that it was by no means certain that the government would meet on Sunday to discuss the easing. He called the situation in hospitals “busy and difficult” and said that a Catshuis meeting “does not make much sense” if the Outbreak Management Team sees no room for relaxation.
Last week the first step of the opening plan was taken in the Netherlands. Then terraces reopened under certain conditions and shops could also receive customers again without having to make an appointment hours in advance.
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