DON’T MISS
IamExpat FairIamExpat Job BoardIamExpat Webinars
Newsletters
EXPAT INFO
CAREER
HOUSING
EDUCATION
LIFESTYLE
EXPAT SERVICES
NEWS & ARTICLES
Home
Expat Info
Dutch news & articles
Dutch government hopes to lift some coronavirus restrictions next week
Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy

Dutch government hopes to lift some coronavirus restrictions next week

Never miss a thing!Sign up for our weekly newsletters with important news stories, expat events and special offers.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy
or
follow us for regular updates:



Related Stories

February 2023: 8 things expats in the Netherlands need to knowFebruary 2023: 8 things expats in the Netherlands need to know
Negative COVID-19 tests now mandatory for travellers from ChinaNegative COVID-19 tests now mandatory for travellers from China
All adults and teens in the Netherlands invited for booster jabs as coronavirus cases rise All adults and teens in the Netherlands invited for booster jabs as coronavirus cases rise
September 2022: 7 things expats in the Netherlands need to knowSeptember 2022: 7 things expats in the Netherlands need to know
Everything you need to know about the next round of booster vaccinationsEverything you need to know about the next round of booster vaccinations
Dutch mayors and municipalities criticise plan for permanent coronavirus lawDutch mayors and municipalities criticise plan for permanent coronavirus law
Dutch coronavirus law to come to an end as Senate rules it unnecessaryDutch coronavirus law to come to an end as Senate rules it unnecessary
Dutch government expected to ditch face mask mandate at airportsDutch government expected to ditch face mask mandate at airports
For expats of all colours, shapes and sizes

Explore
Expat infoCareerHousingEducationLifestyleExpat servicesNews & articles
About us
IamExpat MediaAdvertisePost a jobContact usSitemap
More IamExpat
IamExpat Job BoardIamExpat HousingIamExpat FairsWebinarsNewsletters
Privacy
Terms of usePrivacy policyCookiesAvoiding scams

Never miss a thing!Sign up for expat events, news & offers, delivered once a week.
Keep me updated with exclusive offers from partner companies
By signing up, you agree that we may process your information in accordance with our privacy policy


© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
© 2025 IamExpat Media B.V.
Apr 8, 2021
Victoria Séveno
Victoria grew up in Amsterdam, before moving to the UK to study English and Related Literature at the University of York and completing her NCTJ course at the Press Association in London. She has a love for all things movies, animals, and food. Read more

It was revealed on Wednesday that the Dutch government has discussed potentially lifting a handful of coronavirus restrictions at the next press conference, so long as the number of infections doesn't (sharply) rise over the coming days. 

Dutch government planning to open shops and terraces

Prime Minister Mark Rutte and his cabinet are looking into a plan that would see shops and terraces reopen from April 21. It is likely that the national curfew could also be lifted before the end of the month. Other relaxations on the table include the reopening of colleges and universities, after-school care and the further opening of secondary schools, as well as potentially increasing the number of home visitors from one to two. 

The plan was discussed on Wednesday by the Ministerial Committee on Corona Control (MCC), as well as the Security Council and mayors across the Netherlands. The Outbreak Management Team will be the next to look into the proposal and who will decide whether or not it is a responsible decision at this point in time. On Sunday, government ministers will once again meet at Rutte’s official residence in The Hague to discuss the national restrictions before the press conference on Tuesday.

Most coronavirus restrictions likely to be lifted before the summer

The government hopes to ease most restrictions before the summer, as temperatures and the number of people who have been vaccinated rises. However, basic rules such as maintaining 1,5-metre distance, washing your hands on a regular basis, and staying home if you’re showing symptoms of COVID-19 will remain in place. 

According to sources in The Hague, the government’s first move will see restrictions eased in outdoor spaces - for example allowing restaurants and bars to open their terraces - as evidence shows there is a reduced risk of infection when outside. 

De Jonge: Third wave seems better than was expected

Over recent weeks, the pressure on the government to lift certain measures has grown. Last weekend, the mayors of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, and The Hague called on the government to reopen terraces. 

Health Minister Hugo de Jonge hopes to see the pressure on hospitals and the Dutch healthcare system ease next month, now that approximately six million people have either been vaccinated or have already had coronavirus: “We are working on a reopening plan to give people perspective towards the summer because we will be more protected. The third wave seems to be a bit better compared to the forecasts, but let's not think that summer is almost here."

By Victoria Séveno