As of Tuesday, people in the Netherlands who have come into contact with someone who tests positive for coronavirus are no longer required to self-isolate. While most restrictions have been relaxed, the Dutch government continues to emphasise the importance of the so-called basic rules in the ongoing fight against the spread of COVID-19. 

Various coronavirus rules lifted in the Netherlands

The Netherlands waved goodbye to the majority of coronavirus restrictions in March and now, approximately one month later, the Dutch government has taken the decision to follow the latest advice from the National Institute for Public Health and Environment (RIVM) and relax a number of the remaining restrictions. 

As of April 19, people in the Netherlands - regardless of their vaccination status - are no longer required to go into quarantine after coming into contact with someone who has coronavirus, as long as they aren’t displaying any symptoms. This change renders the CoronaMelder app obsolete, with the government confirming it will be deactivated on April 22.

The government’s urgent advice to wear a face mask in crowded areas has also been lifted, and, as of this week, travellers no longer need to present a health declaration form upon arrival in the Netherlands, and are no longer advised to carry out a self-test on their fifth day in the country. 

Dutch government reminds public that "virus is not gone"

Slowly but surely, life is returning to normal in the Netherlands - but the Dutch government has warned citizens and residents to remain vigilant, with Health Minister Ernst Kuipers concerned about another variant emerging in the autumn. 

“The virus is not gone,” the government wrote on its website. The basic rules (cough and sneeze into your elbow, wash your hands regularly, and stay home if you’re showing symptoms) remain in place for the time being, as does the quarantine mandate for those who test positive, and the mask mandate at Dutch airports.