A further relaxation of the corona measures is not possible for the time being. In addition, it must be investigated whether the Christmas holidays can be extended at all schools. The Outbreak Management Team writes this in an advice to the cabinet, sources report to the political editors of RTL Nieuws.
The OMT is the cabinet’s most important advisor in tackling the corona pandemic.
Pressure on healthcare remains high
The cabinet had asked the OMT whether a relief in the corona measures is possible, but the advisers say that, given the current developments, no relaxation is expected. It is still ‘too unstable’, according to the experts.
In recent days, the number of infections has remained at a high level and the pressure on healthcare remains great. There is currently no clear explanation why the number of infections is not falling further.
Last week, it was suggested in The Hague that it is a serious option to open all restaurants in mid-December, but such plans can be shelved for the time being.
Christmas break
In addition, the experts of the OMT want to investigate whether extending the Christmas holiday contributes to further reducing infections. The closure of schools has already been mentioned as a measure to further reduce infections, but the cabinet considers this to be the last resort.
An extra week of holiday for all students would then be an interim solution, but whether that has sufficient effect, that research must show.
December 8th
According to sources, this advice from the OMT should be seen as an ‘interim advice’. The cabinet only wants to decide in two weeks’ time whether the corona measures should be relaxed or tightened.
Prime Minister Rutte and Minister De Jonge want to hold a press conference on 8 December. In the run-up to that date of 8 December, a new advice from the OMT is expected.
