The cabinet is looking at the possibility of temporarily closing non-essential stores to prevent the spread of the corona virus. Insiders confirm this to the ANP news agency after reporting in various media. When the closure should start and how long it will last, is currently being investigated. Food shops will in any case remain open.
The cabinet is looking at the possibility of temporarily closing non-essential stores to prevent the spread of the corona virus. Insiders confirm this to the ANP news agency after reporting in various media. When the closure should take effect and how long it will last, is currently being investigated. Food shops will in any case remain open.
The cabinet is urging the approach to the corona virus, now that the number of positive tests has been on the rise for almost two weeks.
Following the Catshuis meeting on Sunday, the ministers involved will have an extra crisis meeting on Monday. Later in the day there will be an additional cabinet meeting where several options are on the table.
One such measure could be to close venues such as cinemas, zoos and swimming pools. They also had to close their doors for some time in November. Schools could also stay closed longer by extending the Christmas holidays, before or at the end. According to the insiders, it can go in any direction. They emphasize that no decision has been taken yet.
A curfew during the turn of the year is not obvious, according to insiders. That would be much more difficult to enforce than a fireworks ban.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Minister Hugo de Jonge (Public Health) will probably announce the intensification in a press conference on Monday evening.
On Sunday evening, the Justice Ministry warns on Twitter that false reports are being spread about new measures already taken. The ministry emphasizes that this information is incorrect. Any new measures will not be discussed until Monday.
Cabinet is also looking at Germany
The cabinet is also looking with suspicion at the situation in Germany, where the number of positive tests continues to rise. A stricter lockdown was announced by the German government on Sunday. Most shops and schools will close from December 16, probably until January 10. According to insiders, the cabinet wants to prevent Germans from moving to the Netherlands during the lockdown.
Hubert Bruls, chairman of the Security Council, said the Netherlands cannot lag behind now that Germany has taken far-reaching measures. Otherwise, the difference with Germany threatens to become too great.
Last week, the RIVM already mentioned the recent increase in corona numbers worrying. The institute announces every week how many positive tests have been administered in one week. Last week the number (43,103) was higher for the first time in five weeks than in the previous week (33,949).
During the last press conference last Tuesday, it became clear that the corona measures would not be relaxed before Christmas. Also, extra new measures were not ruled out, but Rutte did not want to say anything about their content.
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