11 april 2021
08:41
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The Dutch government is gathering today to initiate a series of relaxation. It is possible that terraces can reopen and curfews come to an end.
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As in Belgium, there is a lot of discussion in the Netherlands about possible relaxation, now that the population is more than tired of the corona measures. The Dutch government wants to come up with a plan on Tuesday that should show the way to the realm of freedom.
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Prime Minister Mark Rutte is consulting with his fellow ministers today and tomorrow about possible relaxation. For example, it is thought to reopen the terraces from 21 April and to lift the curfew. Provided the numbers allow it. That curfew is very controversial in the Netherlands. In some cities it even revolted.
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In the Netherlands there are currently almost 800 corona patients in intensive care. That is less than in Belgium, where there are more than 900 patients who need intensive care because of corona. But hospitals in the Netherlands are also forced to postpone regular care, so that all attention can go to corona patients. For example, heart and cancer operations are postponed.
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Despite the difficult situation, it is nevertheless envisaged to gradually lift some measures. Experts warn, however, that relaxation should not be made too soon because the pressure on hospitals is still great.
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In addition to the reopening of the terraces and the lifting of the curfew, the intention would be for students in higher education to be able to take physical lessons again. They must then be tested in advance and adhere to the corona rules, such as respecting a distance of 1.5 meters.
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The Netherlands is not the first country to consider relaxation. In our country it is still the intention to reopen the catering industry on 1 May. But Corona Commissioner Pedro Facon suggested in one interview with De Tijd to move that date to mid-May.
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In Luxembourg the government chose to reopen the terraces already. This was done under very strict conditions.
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