Netherlands: Restrictive COVID-19 measures maintained as of Dec. 8 /update 16

Netherlands maintaining COVID-19-related measures as of Dec. 8; international entry and domestic social distancing restrictions remain.

Event

Authorities are maintaining international entry restrictions as of Dec. 8 as part of the nation's effort to control the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Only travelers from European Economic Area (EEA) countries, Switzerland, and the UK, as well as residents of Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand, and Uruguay, are permitted to enter. Exceptions may be made for individuals with an essential function or need, such as health workers, on-duty security forces, freight workers, and diplomats, though all such travelers are required to self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. Arrivals from the following countries must also self-isolate for 10 days upon arrival:

Andorra
Aruba
Austria
Belgium
Bonaire
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark: Copenhagen, Aarhus, Faaborg-Midtfyn, Greve, Koge, Slagelse, Solrod
Estonia
Finland: Helsinki-Uusimaa region, including the cities of Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa
France
Germany
Greece
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Latvia
Lichtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Monaco
Norway: Oslo, Vestland, Viken
Poland
Portugal
Romania
San Marino
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
The UK
Non-EEA countries other than Australia, China, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Uruguay

In addition, the following domestic restrictions remain in place.

Households may receive up to three guests per day in indoor or outdoor areas.
Outdoor gatherings are limited to four people from different households.
A maximum of 30 people can attend indoor events, though they must be seated.
Nonessential retail stores must close by 2000.
All individuals are advised to stay home as much as possible and avoid nonessential travel.
Anyone over the age of 13 must wear a protective face-covering in indoor public areas and on public transport.
All food and beverage establishments are limited to takeout services only.
Persons aged 18 years or older may only engage in sports activities individually or in groups of two; a distance of 1.5 meters (5 feet) must be kept at all times.
Individuals must observe social distancing of 1.5 meters (5 feet) at all times, where possible.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.