All schools in the Netherlands will remain closed from Monday March 16 for the next 3 weeks until April 6 to prevent the spread of the corona virus. The earlier decision of the cabinet to keep the schools open could now no longer be enforced. After consultation with the educational organizations, the cabinet has decided to close the schools. Minister Bruno Bruins (Public Health) and Minister Arie Slob (Education) explained this decision in more detail in a press conference.
Primary schools, secondary schools, universities and HBO programs are all closing, the most involved ministers have agreed this afternoon after telephone consultation. Until now, the argument against school closure has been that parents cannot go to work because they have to take care of their children.
An exception was made for all vital professions - such as healthcare. Employees from these professions can go with their children to the places where they were already used to. Employer organizations, childcare and BOinK have argued for the children of parents who 'vital professions'exercise to absorb.
following Horeca, all Horeca closes
Cafés and restaurants must also be closed to prevent the virus from spreading. In many cities, catering establishments and terraces were full last weekend. Most catering businesses in Tilburg closed their doors earlier today. Several doors have already been locked in Breda and Den Bosch. Koninklijke Horeca Nederland (KHN) wants the government to assist the catering industry that has to close with at least 5,1 billion euros.
Many entrepreneurs have not awaited the measures of the cabinet. Flemings came in today border areas flocking to the Netherlands to visit the catering establishments in the border areas, which was experienced as very undesirable by the entrepreneurs.
“As a result of the new government measures, the loss of turnover is increasing rapidly and many catering businesses are immediately faced with acute liquidity problems. After all, the fixed costs will continue to exist for the time being, while the income will disappear completely, "KHN says in a statement.
Prime Minister Rutte requests airtime on NOS and RTL
Prime Minister Rutte will address the country tomorrow about the corona crisis. He will give a speech at 19.00 pm, which will be broadcast live by the NOS on television, radio and internet. RTL will also broadcast Rutte's speech. The State Information Service speaks of an 'address to the nation', as the American president also regularly does. This is very unusual in the Netherlands.
Also read: Fewer travelers in Public Transport by coronavirus
