On Tuesday afternoon, the Dutch government announced that the 1,5-metre distance rule - lifted on September 25 - will once again come into effect on November 24.

1,5-metre distance rule once again in effect in the Netherlands

At the press conference on September 14, the government lifted the 1,5-metre distance rule, before it was re-introduced as urgent advice on November 13 - that is, as a recommendation rather than a hard-and-fast rule.

Now, in an attempt to curb the spread of COVID-19, the rule will once again be in effect from Wednesday, November 24. This means that Dutch police officers and community service officers (BOAs) are able to issue 95-euro fines for failing to adhere to the rule where mandatory. An exception to the rule applies in any spaces where coronavirus certificates are mandatory. 

On Tuesday, the government once again emphasised the importance of the so-called basic rules (i.e. sufficient ventilation for indoor spaces and washing your hands thoroughly and regularly) for both vaccinated and unvaccinated people.