After a brief press conference on Wednesday evening, Prime Minister Mark Rutte, joined by Health Minister Hugo de Jonge, announced that gyms, saunas and fitness centres will be allowed to open again on July 1, instead of September 1 as was previously decided.

Gyms to open on condition of good outcomes from easing of restrictions

Sports canteens and casinos will also have permission to open on July 1. However, if the gradual easing of restrictions and the falling numbers of infections begin to take a turn for the worse, then the gyms may not be able to open on July 1 as planned.

Gyms must meet certain requirements, for instance, the ventilation must be working properly, hygiene measures must be well supervised and gym equipment must be regularly disinfected.

"For gyms and saunas, the Outbreak Management Team has given strict advice that they must comply with in order to open up again. The entire set of rules for July 1 will only continue if it is really possible," Rutte said. 

Previously, the plan was for gyms to open in September, but gym owners objected to this, finding it much too late and therefore, the government was urged to rethink the closing of gyms until September.

In the meantime, people are still urged to continue to observe the 1,5-metre social distancing rules, refraining from congregating in large groups and wearing masks in public transport from June 1. The definitive decision will be given about a week before July 1, provided the relaxing of restrictions in the country have a positive outcome.