The Dutch government announced tonight the easing of measures taken to deal with the pandemic and the introduction of a “certified Covid” for those who want to visit bars, restaurants and festivals.
The vaccination, disease or negative test certificate will be required for all people over the age of 13 from September 25, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said.
Infections have been declining recently in the Netherlands, a country that at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic had taken loose measures but then, in the second, deadliest wave, stepped up
In the press conference given by Rute, he also announced that the obligatory observance of a distance of 1.50 meters in social contacts is coming to an end. “This means that more people will be able to go to the cafeteria or restaurant at the same time. It also means that festivals and sporting events can be held at full capacity. “
Rutte recalled that the health certificate is already used in many European countries, such as France, where it has helped speed up vaccination against the new coronavirus.
The government has rejected criticism from the opposition, such as the populist and crown-skeptic Thierry Bode, who argues that the pass is a way to impose vaccination. “No, the use of the certificate does not force anyone to be vaccinated. “You can also take a test to get where you want and for now this will be free,” said Health Minister Hugo de Jongge.
The use of a mask remains mandatory on public transport and at airports, but not on trains or tram docks.
Source: ΑΠΕ – ΜΠΕ.
The article Coronavirus: Relaxation of measures and introduction of a health certificate in the Netherlands published in NewsIT .