When Lockdown Is Eased: June 1 Is A New Beginning For Holland

Two men cycling on the streets of Amsterdam, Netherlands (Sebastian Le Derout / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The Netherlands is one of the European countries that has begun to loosen its lockdown policy. This decision was taken by the owner of the policy considering that the number of COVID-19 transmission had started to decline. As a result, schools, cafes, and museums will be allowed to reopen in June.

The decision was announced directly by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Tuesday, 19 May. He said the lockdown option which had been implemented for the past two months made the government begin to allow schools to open again. The details, starting from the Senior High School (SMA) level open on June 2. Meanwhile, the Elementary School (SD) level starts June 8.

According to Reuters, it is not only schools that are the focus of the government. The Dutch PM also announced that he would reopen his cafe and restaurant on June 1. However, there are notes. The maximum number of guests is only 30 people, and even then they must apply physical distancing, except for those who live together or in one house.

"Either way we stick to the guidelines and we have to stick to the rules because we know the virus can come back," said Rutte.

The rest, loosening lockdown also noted museums to reopen. However, tickets will only be sold online to limit people entering the museum, so they can maintain their distance.

Permits are also given to nursing homes who are prone to contracting COVID-19. Therefore, Dutch citizens can return to visit the elderly in nursing homes. Not only that, currently public transportation has continued its routine schedule. Even so, Dutch citizens can only use public transportation only for important trips.

Then, prospective public transportation passengers are required to wear a mask, keep your distance, and on the bus only half the key can be used. Even so, gyms and dance halls will remain closed at the same time as major sporting events which remain banned until an undetermined time.

So far France has confirmed 44,249 cases of COVID-19 transmission. Among them, there were 5,715 deaths.