On Thursday, Health Minister Hugo de Jonge confirmed that the next stage of relaxations will be brought forward from June 9 to June 5, with the next coronavirus press conference scheduled for Friday, May 28.
The Dutch government was looking into the possibility of bringing forward the next phase of relaxations, which were originally set to happen on May 26 but had been pushed back to June 9.
And with the number of new coronavirus infections and hospital admissions dropping every day - on Wednesday there were “only” 1.618 coronavirus patients being treated in Dutch hospitals the lowest number since December 1 - it looks as though the government has decided to go ahead with the next phase in their five-step plan for lifting lockdown.
On Thursday, De Jonge said all signs point towards restrictions being lifted on June 5. According to the Health Minister, “all numbers that need to fall are falling and all numbers that need to rise are rising," and so the government is able to once again offer the public a little more freedom.
This news means that the next coronavirus press conference has also been brought forward. After finalising all the details for the relaxations, De Jonge and Prime Minister Mark Rutte will address the public on Friday, May 28.
While the final details are yet to be confirmed, De Jonge’s update and the government’s plan means we have a general idea of what the next stage of relaxations will look like. From June 5, cinemas, museums and theatres will likely be able to open their doors after months of closure.
Furthermore, bars and restaurants will be able to open for indoor dining, and their opening times will be extended from 8pm to 10pm (alcohol will also be allowed to be served until 10pm). Each catering establishment will be able to serve a maximum of 30 customers indoors, but it’s possible this number could increase if the restaurant requests a recent negative coronavirus test from customers upon arrival.
In addition to this, the public will be granted more freedom when it comes to meeting friends and family. The maximum number of household guests permitted per day will rise from two to four