The Netherlands tightens measures in response to COVID-19. What does this mean for the hospitality industry?

The cabinet announced stricter measures yesterday evening to combat the spread of the coronavirus. For now, the previously announced COVID-19 measures, including the closure of the hospitality industry until April 6, 2020, remain in place. It is not yet clear when the hospitality industry will be allowed to reopen.

KHN

De algemeen directeur van KHN, Dirk Beljaaerts, liet gisterenavond via LinkedIn het volgende weten: “Er zijn veel vragen n.a.v. de persconferentie zojuist. Voorlopig staat de maatregel voor de Horeca op 6 april a.s. We zijn constant in gesprek met de diverse ministeries over de specifieke consequenties voor de horeca n.a.v. de persconferentie zojuist. Er is nu géén ander nieuws.”

On the website of the Dutch Government

– All gatherings are prohibited until June 1 (instead of April 6), even with fewer than 100 people. There is an exception for funerals and church weddings, about which more information will be provided later.

– Shops and public transport are required to take measures to ensure that people maintain distance, for example through an door policy.

– Stay at home as much as possible. Only go outside for work when you can’t work from home, for groceries, or to care for others. Getting some fresh air is allowed, but don’t do this in a group. Always keep distance from others (at least 1.5 meters) and avoid social activities and groups of people. At home too: maximum of three visitors and keep distance from each other even then.

– If you cough, have a cold and/or fever, the rule was already: stay home. If you also develop a fever, everyone in the household must now stay at home. People in crucial professions and vital processes are exempt from this, unless they become ill themselves.

– Casinos now fall under the same COVID-19 measure as eating and drinking establishments and will close as of March 24, 2020.

– At locations such as holiday parks, measures must be taken to ensure people maintain 1.5 meters distance. If they are unable to do so, municipalities may close these locations.

– Mayors can designate areas where group formation is prohibited. This can include parks, beaches or neighborhoods. Enforcement will take place for groups of 3 or more who do not keep a distance of one and a half meters. Persons in the same household, such as families, and children are exempt from this.

– Markets are excluded from this because in some parts of the country they are an essential part of the food chain. However, municipalities and market masters must look at how they can ensure sufficient distance is guaranteed.

– The government also wants to be able to better enforce the existing COVID-19 measures. Therefore, mayors are given the possibility to act more easily and quickly through an emergency ordinance. Mayors can close specific locations, such as parks, beaches and campsites. Fines can also be imposed.

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