You could wait for it now that all non-essential shops in the Netherlands have to keep their doors closed. Dutch tourists let traffic come to a complete standstill in and around Antwerp. Provincial governor Cathy Berx asks that everyone takes responsibility and currently calls shopping tourism from the Netherlands "counterproductive and unwise." Police are calling for parking outside the city.
It was also remarkably busy at the Central Station In Antwerp, because the Dutch also come by train who came for a day's shopping in Antwerp, so that the NMBS had to deploy extra security personnel. Many Flemish people have a bad feeling that people are avoiding measures in their own country by going elsewhere. It is not pronounced in so many words, but the Dutch are not welcome in the catering industry, shops or at the Antwerp hairdressers.
"That this is happening now shows little respect for that sector. It is very unwise and shows little solidarity."
Prime Minister Mark Rutte also called on the Dutch at the beginning of last week not to travel to Belgium or Germany if it is not absolutely necessary. He emphasized that the advice of the cabinet and the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) is to have as little contact as possible with others.
The ANWB identified traffic jams on the A58 from Tilburg to Breda on Tuesday morning. The NS even had to deploy employees on platforms to manage the passenger flows. Berx acknowledged that it has no legal instruments to ban day-trippers from the Netherlands. Restaurants and cafes across the border are open until eleven in the evening, but Belgium is not happy with the Dutch who have been flocking there in recent days.
In Flemish media, newspapers this week were full of stories about restaurants that have to process a large influx of Dutch people. Not only in Antwerp, but also Ghent, Turnhout or Lommel are overrun. The NS advises travelers not to take the train to Belgium, unless it is really necessary. The trains are far too full, so according to the railway company it is impossible to keep a sufficient distance. The urgent call is valid until Sunday evening.
Also read: Rutte; “It's terrible for the whole country”
