Lockdown in the Netherlands (Kingdom of the Netherlands) from 15 December 2020 to 19 January 2021

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the establishment of a lockdown in the Kingdom of the Netherlands between December 15, 2020 and January 19, 2021.

The restrictions imposed during this period and some exceptions to the general rules of limited duration are the following:

Lockdown in the Netherlands (Kingdom of the Netherlands)

In open public spaces it will not be allowed to form a group of more than 2 people except those who share the same home.
It will not be allowed to receive more than 2 visitors over the age of 13 in their homes.

There is an exception during December 24, 25, 26 when 3 people can be visited, except for children under 13 years.

The following types of units will remain closed:

Stores (excluding those that sell essential products such as food)
Locations where contact-based professions take place, such as hairdressing salons, cosmetics, tattoos, manicures and sexual service centers
Theaters, concert halls, cinemas, casinos, etc.
Museums, zoos, amusement parks, etc.
Gyms, swimming pools, saunas, spas and other indoor sports venues
Restaurants, bars and cafes
Hotels will be open, but hotel restaurants will be closed and room service will not be available.

Working from home is strongly recommended. Adults will be able to participate individually or with another person only in outdoor sports activities. Children and teenagers up to the age of 17 will only be able to participate in outdoor team sports and will be able to play with other children from the same club, but only outdoors.

Public transport will only be used for essential journeys. It is not recommended to plan trips abroad until mid-March 2021 at the earliest and no travel abroad is recommended.

The only contact-based professions that can be practiced continuously are medical and paramedical.

Between December 16, 2020 and January 17, 2021, educational institutions will work mainly with online teaching.

The exceptions to the measures described above are the following:

On December 24, 25 and 26, it will be allowed to receive 3 visitors aged at least 13 years.
Healthcare will remain as accessible as possible. Medical and paramedical professionals will be able to continue their work.
Stores that mainly sell food, pharmacies, opticians and those specializing in hearing aids, repair and maintenance centers will be able to remain open. DIY stores will be able to operate on the basis of online shopping and collection at the headquarters.
The service points for sending and receiving parcels will remain open.
Units that provide commercial services (banks, mortgage providers and real estate agents) will remain open.
City halls will continue to be open to the public.
Courts and other government locations will remain open
It will still be possible to borrow books from libraries.
Community centers will remain open to provide services to vulnerable people.
Elite athletes will be able to train and participate in matches or other sports competitions.