Table 2. Selected COVID-19 prevention measures and testing policies, the Netherlands, 1 June–17 October 2020.
| Week | Prevention measures | Testing policies |
|---|---|---|
| 23 | Maintain physical distance of 1.5 m (> 12 years old) Non-medical face masks obligatory on public transport (> 12 years old) Cinemas, restaurants, cafes and cultural institutions (such as concert halls and theatres) allowed to open with precautionary measures and a maximum of 30 visitors Secondary schools are partly open; measures taken to prevent contact between students and teachers within 1.5 m |
Individuals can schedule a SARS-CoV-2 PCR test if they have symptoms consistent with COVID-19a |
| 24 | Primary schools reopen 100% (were reopened 50% since 11 May 2020) | No changes |
| 27 | Students in secondary schools no longer have to keep 1.5 m distance from each other Communal sanitation facilities at campsites and holiday parks re-opened Maximum number of visitors expanded to 100 people for cinemas, restaurants, cafes and cultural institutions Fitness clubs, saunas, wellness centres, club canteens and casinos re-opened |
No changes |
| 32 | Hospitality sector opened for reservations (in advance or at the door),with a health check and the allocation of a fixed seating placement at a table or at the bar (all visitors asked to register to enable contact tracing) | No changes |
| 34 | Gatherings in private homes limited to six people (residents and guests, aged > 12 years ) Individuals encouraged to work from home as much as possible Home quarantine reduced from 14 to 10 days |
No changes |
| 39 | In regions with high incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infections: Bars and restaurants closed at 1:00 Maximum group size is 50 people |
Due to shortages in testing capacities, children ≤ 12 years old with mild COVID-19 symptoms are no longer testedb Essential healthcare and educational personnel can get tested with priority |
| 40 | Individuals to work from home as much as possible Gatherings in private homes limited to three guests, excluding children ≤ 12 years old Maximum group size elsewhere is four people > 12 years old, for instance for reservations in cinemas or restaurants The total number of people indoors is limited to 30 (> 12 years old), outdoors 40 Food and beverage outlets closed by 21:00, stores closed by 22:00 Canteens at sporting facilities closed, no spectators allowed at sporting events People with a close-contact profession must ask their customers to register Travel and movements limited as much as possible All people ≥ 13 years old urgently advised to wear a non-medical face mask in publicly accessible indoor areas |
No changes |
| 42 | Partial lockdown Gatherings in private homes limited to three guests per day, excluding children≤ 12 years old In secondary and higher education, everyone must wear a mask outside of class All restaurants and bars closed (take-out is allowed) Public transport only for essential travel Retail stores closed by 20:00 No alcohol sold between 20:00 and 7:00 Public events cancelled For everyone ≥ 18 years old, sports only allowed at a distance of 1.5 m; maximum team size is four people At sporting facilities, canteens, showers and changing rooms are closed Travel abroad limited as much as possible |
No changes |
COVID-19: coronavirus disease; SARS-CoV-2: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
a Such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, fever or sudden loss of smell or taste.
b Exceptions are critically ill children, children who are a confirmed COVID-19 case contact or children who are included in an outbreak investigation.
The following prevention measures have been advised since 12 March and throughout the study period: frequent handwashing, sneeze and cough hygiene, physical distancing of at least 1.5 m, self-isolating when experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms or when a household member has a fever and/or shortness of breath, and avoiding crowded places.