A number of border crossings with the Netherlands have been barricaded. From Brabant it is almost impossible to go to Belgium. The borders have been closed since Friday afternoon in the fight against the corona virus. However, Belgians still tried to cross the border, for example, or the Dutch and French came here.
The measures taken by both the Netherlands and our neighboring countries to prevent infection and spread of the virus have consequences for the situation in the border regions. In a letter, the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations Knops informed the House of Representatives about this on the basis of responsibility for cross-border cooperation with North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony and Flanders, also on behalf of the Minister of Justice and Security, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport and the State Secretary for Justice and Security.
no restrictive measures
The Netherlands does not yet see the need to introduce restrictive measures at the Dutch borders with Germany and Belgium. Nor has the Cabinet received expert advice to date. It is in the general interest of citizens and businesses that the borders with our neighboring countries remain open and that the border regions on both sides work together.
This is according to the minister important for the continuity of medical care and the distribution of foodstuffs, for example. The Cabinet therefore wants to prevent obstacles for border workers in the border regions and to continue to guarantee the free passage of goods transport.
Germany introduced restrictions on the borders with Austria, Switzerland, Denmark, France and Luxembourg on 16 March. These restrictions do not currently apply to the border with the Netherlands. As of March 17, the German government advises against all non-essential trips, including to the Netherlands.
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