At the press conference on April 13, Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge announced that the national lockdown and curfew would remain in place until (at least) April 27. However, the Prime Minister revealed that out-of-school care would reopen on April 19.

Dutch coronavirus press conference

Last week, rumours emerged that the Dutch government hoped to lift a number of coronavirus restrictions from April 21, provided the number of infections remained low. However, Rutte and De Jonge confirmed at Tuesday’s press conference that the national restrictions would be staying in place a little while longer.

While Rutte did not announce as many changes as was initially planned, he did confirm that out-of-school care (BSOs) would reopen on April 19. Up until now, BSOs have only been able to care for children whose parents are key workers or with a precarious home situation.

De Jonge outlined a rough plan for lifting restrictions that included hopefully reopening higher education on April 26 and lifting the curfew and opening terraces on April 28.

Semi-lockdown extended until April 27

No further restrictions were announced, but the following measures will remain in place until April 27:

• 10pm to 4.30am national curfew
• All bars, restaurants, and cafes are closed (open for take-away)
• Coffee shops are closed (open for take-away until 8pm)
• Shops only open for click and collect and shopping by appointment
• Sale of alcohol banned after 8pm
• Universities are closed
• Museums are closed
• Cinemas are closed
• Zoos are closed
• Theatres are closed
• Casinos are closed
• Theme parks are closed
• Public swimming pools and saunas are closed (pools only open for lessons for children)
• Gyms and other indoor sports facilities are closed
• Libraries are closed (open for pick-up)
• Brothels are closed
• Max. one household guest per day (excl. children under 13)
• When outside, max. group size of two (if not from the same household)
• Stay home, work from home, and limit travel as much as possible
• If you're showing symptoms then stay home
• A ban on all events (excl. demonstrations)
• Wear a mask in all indoor public areas and on public transport

Rutte said that restrictions will be lifted once the peak of the third wave has passed. The government will review the measures and the coronavirus situation in the Netherlands over the coming days, with the next press conference scheduled for April 20.