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
Terraces open for the first time in six months as lockdown is eased
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

Terraces open for the first time in six months as lockdown is eased

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

Coronavirus-proof Christmas events in the Netherlands this winterCoronavirus-proof Christmas events in the Netherlands this winter
Travelling during the coronavirus crisis: What are your rights?Travelling during the coronavirus crisis: What are your rights?
What to look out for when travelling during coronavirusWhat to look out for when travelling during coronavirus
July 2021: 13 things changing in the Netherlands from todayJuly 2021: 13 things changing in the Netherlands from today
Financial support for you and your business during coronavirusFinancial support for you and your business during coronavirus
RIVM warns against fake coronavirus vaccination invitationsRIVM warns against fake coronavirus vaccination invitations
Data leak allows anyone to download fake CoronaCheck certificateData leak allows anyone to download fake CoronaCheck certificate
Three-quarters of expats say coronavirus impacted their mental healthThree-quarters of expats say coronavirus impacted their mental health
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 29, 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

After an eventful King’s Day, Wednesday marked the day that a number of coronavirus restrictions were relaxed across the Netherlands: shops and terraces opened, the curfew was lifted, and people can now receive two household guests per day.

Dutch catering industry reopened after six months

After being closed for six months, the catering industry was relieved to finally welcome some customers again. While many business owners have made it clear that the partial reopening - combined with the strict rules outlined by the Dutch government - will do little to support their business, welcoming customers back onto terraces is definitely a step in the right direction. 

With enforced opening hours of 12pm to 6pm, it is perhaps unsurprising that terraces weren’t overflowing with people. However, Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (KHN) - the largest union representing hospitality businesses in the Netherlands - spoke positively about the first day back at work: “The atmosphere was positive, friendly, and the terraces were well-filled throughout the country.” 

Shops across the Netherlands opened doors to customers

The retail industry has also been granted additional freedoms from April 28, with shops scrapping the shopping by appointment system and opening their doors to all customers. Shops are now able to receive one customer per 25 square metres.

The government had been concerned about taking this step, fearing that it could lead to large crowds in Dutch cities and shopping streets. Indeed, many members of the public were keen to browse the shelves, as streets in Rotterdam and The Hague were buzzing with people and queues formed at Primarks and IKEAs across the country. 

Trade union FNV had expressed their concern about the safety of shop staff, asking businesses to ensure their safety and enforce the coronavirus rules. Retail organisation INretail, on the other hand, were pleased with how “smoothly” the day went: “The Netherlands has 2.500 shopping areas and no alarms have been sounded anywhere...The overall picture gives a very positive impression.”

Medical experts concerned about hospital and intensive care admissions

The decision to lift restrictions was met with some criticism, as the number of coronavirus infections and hospitalisations remains high. This, combined with the large crowds that came together to celebrate King’s Day on Tuesday, means many health experts are concerned about the coronavirus situation in the Netherlands. 

Hospitals say intensive care units are full, with staff working non-stop to care for the 2.614 coronavirus patients. Ernst Kuipers, chairman of the National Acute Care Network (LNAZ), has been relatively supportive of the relaxations, however warns that the number of intensive care admissions will remain high until mid-May. 

Thumb via Amanda Weideman.

By Victoria Séveno