In the first place, the cabinet came up with a reprimand for the antisocial behavior of many Dutch people during the past weekend. Additional measures are required, such as a total ban on all meetings, regardless of the number up to June 1. Enforcement of this will be done by issuing large fines. Funerals and religious gatherings such as marriage, baptism or Bar Mitzvah can continue.

Mayors are given more powers to take restrictive measures within the municipality. The cabinet also makes it possible to issue substantial fines. Several mayors, such as Aboutaleb of Rotterdam, previously asked for more powers.

Take a breath on your own

The following applies to everyone: stay at home as much as possible. Work from home if you can. Only go outside for essential groceries but do this alone, a breath of fresh air or caring for someone else. But always keep a distance of 1,5 meters and avoid groups. As far as the cabinet is concerned, children can still play outside together, on the advice of the RIVM. 

You can also go shopping or to get some fresh air on your own, according to Grapperhaus. For the first time, the cabinet also appears behind the front door and provides advice on the personal living environment. The rules are therefore also being tightened for people at home. The cabinet wants people to receive a maximum of three visitors, and even then they must keep a distance of 1,5 meters.

"Fines of up to 400 euros for not adhering to the distance rule and the whole family stays at home if one family member has a fever."

Intelligent lock down

Minister of Justice Grapperhaus announced all these new measures in a press conference with Prime Minister Rutte and his fellow ministers Van Rijn (Medical Care) and De Jonge (Public Health). Ministers met earlier this afternoon for crisis consultations. The measures taken are the last step for a total lock-down. The Cabinet asks the Netherlands to handle all measures taken wisely.

Is this a lockdown?

No. A lockdown is a very drastic measure that fortunately is not necessary at the moment. During a lockdown, both social and economic life comes to a standstill and the freedom of movement of all residents is very limited.

Earlier today Ernst Kuipers of the new national coordination center in Rotterdam said that poor compliance with RIVM advice last weekend will lead to a faster spread of the corona virus across the country.

Also read: Temporary lockdown is possible in the Netherlands