Netherlands: Authorities announce nationwide 2100-0430 nightly curfew beginning Jan. 23 due to COVID-19 /update 24

Event

Authorities in the Netherlands have announced a nationwide 2100-0430 nightly curfew beginning Jan. 23 to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). The measure will remain in place through at least Feb. 9 and follows the recent tightening of travel restrictions. Officials are suspending flights from non-EU and Schengen-associated states that have identified variants of COVID-19 effective Jan. 23. These locations currently include Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, South Africa, Suriname, the UK, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The flight ban will be in effect until at least Feb. 19. Additionally, all international travelers will need to take a rapid antigen test before departure for the Netherlands.

Travel to the Netherlands is generally only permitted for European Economic Area (EEA) residents or Schengen-associated countries and residents of Dutch Caribbean Territories, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand. Officials prohibit most travel from other countries except for transit and limited essential purposes, including urgent health and family reasons.

Authorities require all permitted travelers arriving by air, sea, train, or coach traveling more than 30 km (18 miles) from the border to present a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result before traveling to the Netherlands; the test must be within 72 hours before departure. Arrivals from outside of the EEA or Schengen Area must also fill out a negative test declaration form prior to travel. Additionally, all arrivals must self-isolate for 10 days on arrival. These measures do not apply to individuals arriving from China, the Dutch Caribbean Territories, Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, South Korea, and Thailand; additional exceptions are possible for individuals with an essential function or need, such as health workers, on-duty security forces, freight workers, and diplomats.

Domestic Restrictions
Households can only host a maximum of one guest per day. Additionally, a nationwide 2100-0430 curfew is in place through at least Feb. 9. People can only leave their accommodation for essential purposes, including work and emergencies, during curfew hours. Individuals who must go out during curfew hours need to carry a self-declaration curfew form, while those commuting for work must have an additional employer's declaration form. Exemptions are in place for certain groups, including first responders, emergency crews, and public transport workers.

All nonessential retail stores will remain closed until at least Feb. 9; essential retail businesses, such as groceries and pharmacies, may continue to operate. Non-medical contact services, such as barbershops and hair salons, are closed; medical contact services, including dentist and physical therapist offices, may continue operating. All indoor and outdoor gatherings involving more than one household are limited to two persons. Hotels may operate but cannot serve food or drink. Libraries and community centers may operate under certain strict limitations. Schools at all education levels are restricted to conducting classes via distance learning techniques. Childcare availability is limited to the children of persons employed in essential professions.

The lockdown restrictions are in addition to other measures in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Under these directives, officials advise all individuals 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. 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.

Resources

Government of the Netherlands
List of Self-Quarantine Upon Arrival Countries
Rapid Test Requirements for travelers from Ireland, UK, and South Africa
Negative Test Declaration Form
Self-Declaration Curfew Form (Dutch)
Employer's Declaration Curfew Form (Dutch)
Schengen Area Countries
World Health Organization (WHO)