The cabinet divides regions into three different risk levels in order to be able to take local measures. Level three is the toughest level, where stricter rules can then be introduced. Haaglanden and Hollands Midden fall under level two. This level includes the new catering measure, whereby the cafes must close at 1 a.m. and no more than fifty people are allowed in. Also, takeaways have to close at 2.00am. Those new rules will take effect on Sunday at 6 p.m.
The Haaglanden region will enforce the rules more strictly. There will be inspections at catering establishments, party halls, sports facilities and student societies. If the rules are broken after a warning, it will close for two weeks. If the rules are repeatedly broken, it will be closed for a month. If the measures are subsequently ignored again, it will be closed for a period of three months. ‘We don’t do that because we like it, but to ensure that the number of infections goes down,’ explains Van Zanen.
There will also be special window times in government buildings for vulnerable groups in the Haaglanden region. Only they are allowed to use the library or the swimming pool at that time. ‘We are calling on companies, such as supermarkets, to do this too.’ The Hollands Midden region also says that government locations can introduce this.
Students and vulnerable people
The Haaglanden Security Region is also going to talk to universities, colleges and student (sports) associations. ‘The purpose of the communication is for these groups to (again) see the urgency of complying with the rules’, says Van Zanen. ‘The success in March and April was that everyone behaved responsibly. We must do everything we can to prevent a new lockdown. ‘
Also the Hollands Midden region focuses on young people ‘We engage with them through schools, community centers, youth workers and student associations. We want to reach people and motivate them to start behaving again. We’ve all gotten a little sloppy. It is about a change in behavior, ‘says Mayor Lenferink, chairman of the Hollands Midden Safety Region.
No extra measures
Furthermore, Hollands Midden is not taking any extra measures, in addition to the national measures announced by Prime Minister Rutte, Lenferink says. “Most infections take place behind the front door, we cannot intervene there,” says Lenferink.
Groups may not exceed fifty people from Sunday. There are some exceptions, such as for religious gatherings, funerals and schools. Lenferink could not yet indicate whether these rules will also apply to sports clubs, for example. ‘We still have to figure out where the boundaries are, it’s not that easy. It is not yet very clear to us exactly where those boundaries lie, because we do not yet have the directions on paper. ‘
READ ALSO: Rutte again insists on rules: ‘Corona has become a far-from-my-bed show’
– .
