There is “an incredibly high number of infections and fortunately relatively low pressure on healthcare,” says Kuipers. The corona minister does not want to say anything openly about what exactly has been decided. Compliance with the basic measures – keeping your distance, washing hands and staying home and testing in the event of complaints – remains important, he emphasizes. Despite the positive outcome, he urges people to remain vigilant: “My recurring message, ad nauseam, is: stay careful.”
The cabinet already informed the House of Representatives last week which relaxation it envisions: the first relaxation, whereby the catering and cultural sector may remain open until 1 am, will start this Friday. A maximum of 500 people per location may also come together. The Outbreak Management Team (OMT) has said that it is not wise to cancel all measures at the same time, says Kuipers. “You are only very safe if the number of infections drops quickly. We are not there yet.”
‘All measures off the table’
A week later, almost all corona measures have to be taken off the table, including the one and a half meter measure and the corona admission ticket. This only remains necessary for travel abroad, where the corona pass is often still used and in some countries even 2G (vaccinated or recovered). For major events such as festivals and nightclubs with more than 500 visitors, the so-called 1G system will apply from that moment on, whereby everyone – vaccinated or not – must show proof of a negative test.
From next week, face masks in public spaces will no longer be necessary, except in public transport, airports and airplanes.
Kuipers will hold a press conference on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m., in which the measures will be officially announced. This is expected to be the cabinet’s last corona press conference for the time being. Prime Minister Rutte is not there, because he is in the Senate for the debate on the government statement.