Coronavirus in the Netherlands: what you need to know (January 25)

The Netherlands will relax most of the remaining coronavirus rules from Wednesday January 26 at 5am. Here’s what you need to know.

The 1.5 metre social distancing rule remains, as does the recommendation to work at home and to receive no more than four guests over the age of 13 a day.

People are also recommended to avoid close contact with the elderly or people with poor health.

Out and about

Masks remain a legal requirement in indoor spaces, but not when seated in cafes, cinemas and the theatre. Masks are also recommended in busy places outdoors.

All locations, including cafes, bars, theatres, zoos and amusement parks, can open their doors from 5am to 10pm.

A coronavirus pass (3G) is mandatory from the age of 13 for indoor spaces, including cafes, restaurants, theatres and concert halls, zoos, saunas and casinos.

A coronavirus pass is required for the over-17s at sports locations.

At indoor locations with fixed seating, capacity is limited to 1,250 and people must be seated 1.5 metres apart.

At outdoor locations, such as football stadiums, one third of the seats can be filled, spread throughout the location.

Festivals without fixed seating are not yet an option.

Quarantine

Children who have no symptoms but have been in close contact with someone who has coronavirus do not have to quarantine.

The same applies to adults who have recently had a booster shot or coronavirus less than eight weeks ago.

People who have symptoms should stay home and do a self-test. If that proves positive, you should make an appointment for a PCR test at your regional health board.

What’s next

The new situation will apply for six weeks but will be reassessed on March 8.