Based on advice issued by the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) in October, the Dutch government has decided to extend the validity of coronavirus certificates for people who have recovered from the virus from six months to one year.

Dutch coronavirus recovery certificate now valid for 365 days

Under the Dutch coronavirus certificate system, a valid QR code is generated for anyone who is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, has tested negative within the last 24 hours, or has recovered from the virus. Since the CoronaCheck app launched over the summer, recovery certificates have only been valid for 180 days, but a recent change to the rules means anyone who has had coronavirus within the last 365 days will be eligible for a recovery certificate.

According to the OMT, COVID-19 antibodies are still present in 90 percent of people one year after becoming infected, and should provide sufficient protection against “serious disease.” A recent and comprehensive study conducted in Denmark also found that antibodies stay in the body for at least seven months.

Proof of recovery not enough to travel internationally

The change in policy may sound relatively minor, but it could make a big difference. The current requirements set out by the Dutch government state you are now eligible for a recovery certificate if:

• You were tested by the GGD or another recognised testing provider
• You tested positive at least 11 days ago
• You tested positive no more than 365 days ago

Anyone who already has a proof of recovery certificate will be able to extend the validity of their QR code via the CoronaCheck app.

While the rules have been changed in the Netherlands, it is important to note that international policy still states recovery certificates are only valid for anyone who has been infected within the last 180 days. This means that anyone who has been infected with the virus and wants to travel internationally must have recovered within the last six months. Furthermore, anyone travelling with a recovery certificate will also have to have a recent negative PCR test result.