If the decline in hospital numbers continues, step 2 of the opening plan of the caretaker cabinet can be started next week. That will not depend on “a single percent”. That was announced tonight in the press conference about the corona measures.
A final decision has not yet been taken, but it will be decided next Monday whether easing can follow two days later. The cabinet currently assumes that this step can be taken, but it is still possible to “press the pause button”. It is already clear that the current negative travel advice for the entire world will not be extended after May 15.
The cabinet will check on Monday whether the number of infections and hospital occupancy continue to decline. If those figures are good enough, step 2 can start on 19 May.
Outdoor flow locations, gyms and indoor pools
This means that outdoor transfer locations, such as amusement parks and zoos, can be reopened under certain conditions. One person per 10 square meters is admitted. A reservation is for a maximum of two people, with the exception of people from the same household and children. Indoor areas on the grounds, such as an attraction or an indoor animal enclosure, will remain closed. “For example, the Python rollercoaster in Efteling may be open, but Villa Volta is not,” said Rutte tonight. Toilets are open.
In addition, gyms and indoor swimming pools can reopen. A maximum of thirty people can enter at the same time. The changing rooms and showers will remain closed, except at swimming pools. Competitions and public are not allowed, reservations and a health check are required. Mouth masks may be taken off during exercise.
Outdoor sports are also allowed for a maximum of thirty people, at a distance of 1.5 meters. Young people up to and including 26 years old are allowed to exercise outside together without keeping 1.5 meters away.
Art and culture practice
Music and dance schools are also opened in step 2. This is possible with a maximum of two people and a teacher. Larger group lessons are not allowed, except for children and young people up to and including 17 years old. Here too, a reservation and health check are required and mouth masks may be removed during practice or rehearsal. The outdoor venues for performing arts and film screenings may also be open for a maximum of thirty people. Reservation is also required here and for a maximum of two people.
All contact professions are allowed, so sex workers are also allowed to open their doors again. Rental locations for outdoor recreational activities can be opened so that, for example, boats can be rented out again.
Breakfast or bitterbal on the terrace
The opening hours of the terraces are extended in the second step, something that actually does not officially belong to the second step, but is an addition to the opening plan. The terraces can then be opened from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. instead of 12 noon to 6 p.m. All conditions continue to apply, which means that a maximum of fifty people can sit on a terrace, with a maximum of two people at one table at a distance of 1.5 meters. Unless these are people from the same household.
The terraces at sports locations may also be reopened. The same rules apply to these terraces as to other outdoor terraces.
The expected easing from May 19, if numbers allow:
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