At the press conference on Friday, November 26, Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge announced a number of new tougher coronavirus restrictions for the Netherlands which are set to come into effect on Sunday, November 28.

Dutch government announces new restrictions for the Netherlands

In order to limit the spread of COVID-19, the Dutch government has tightened the national lockdown restrictions, placing further limitations on the catering and retail industries. The following restrictions will come into effect on November 28, and will remain in place until (at least) December 18:

• Enforced opening times of 5am - 5pm for catering industry, cultural sector (i.e. cinemas, museums), non-essential shops, amateur sports, and other service providers (i.e.hairdressers, gyms)
• Enforced opening times of 5am - 8pm for essential shops (i.e. supermarkets, pharmacies)
• Maintain 1,5-metre distance - even in spaces where coronavirus certificates are mandatory (for flow locations and locations with fixed seating)
• Face masks mandatory in public indoor areas - even in spaces where coronavirus certificates are mandatory (for flow locations and locations with fixed seating)
• Face masks mandatory in education from Group 6 / Year 5 (age 9) (exception applies in classrooms)
• Enforced finishing time of 5pm for events

As per the latest advice from the Outbreak Management Team (OMT), all schools and universities will remain open.

On Friday, De Jonge also announced an immediate ban on all incoming flights from South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe on account of the new COVID-19 variant. The ban will remain in place until (at least) December 4.

All COVID-19 measures extended until December 18

In addition to the new rules, the following restrictions will remain in effect until (at least) December 18:

• Face masks mandatory in at hospitals, at airports, and on public transport
• Coronavirus certificate system used for public venues and events
• Ensure proper ventilation in all indoor spaces
• If you’re showing symptoms of COVID-19 then stay home and get tested
• Max. four household guests per day
• Limit travel as much as possible
• Work from home as much as possible
• Fixed seating mandatory in the catering industry
• No spectators at sporting events
• Max. 1.250 people per area at events (with fixed seating)
• In higher education, max. 75 people per room / space (excl. staff, does not apply to rooms used for exam purposes)
• If a member of a household is infected with coronavirus, all other members must also go into quarantine (regardless of vaccination status)

The government will reevaluate the situation on December 14, with a press conference scheduled to take place later that week.