THE HAGUE, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Face masks will be compulsory on public transport in The Netherlands from June 1 as the Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte presented a road map to gradually relax the anti-coronavirus measures during a press conference in The Hague on Wednesday.
So far face masks were not compulsory in The Netherlands, but now for the first time the Dutch government advised the public to wear non-medical masks from now on in train, bus and metro and that this will be mandatory from June 1.
"The Dutch approach to coronavirus has worked well to control the consequences of the virus," said Rutte. "The risk has certainly not disappeared, but if we adhere to the most important measures, there will gradually be more space."
The current basic measures against the spread of the novel coronavirus in The Netherlands are the advice to stay at home as much as possible, to work from home if you can and to keep 1.5 meters away from others. From April 29 children and teenagers got more scope for participating in organized sports activities and play outdoors. Primary schools and childcare will reopen on May 11.
"From May 11 we can give each other a little more space in The Netherlands, while keeping the coronavirus under control," Rutte added. "Compliance with the most important basic rules is more important than ever."
Also from May 11, everyone above 18 years of age will be able to sport outside again, 1.5 meters apart from each other. Most contact professions will also be possible again from May 11, such as hairdressers, driving instructors, masseurs and dentists. This work must be organized as far as possible at a distance of 1.5 meters. Libraries will also open again.
If the coronavirus remains "under control," according to the Dutch government, it is intended that by June 1 secondary education, terraces with seats, cinemas, restaurants and cafes, concert halls, theatres may open their doors as well, with a maximum of 30 people inside.
If the virus remains under control on July 1, the maximum number of visitors will be increased to 100 people from for cinemas, restaurants and cafes and cultural institutions. Under the conditions that the figures are still moving in the right direction as of Sept. 1 the doors of fitness clubs, saunas, wellness centers, sport club canteens, coffee shops and casinos will open up.
Sept. 1 is also the date that sports competitions can take place without an audience, which also applies to Dutch professional football.
However, Rutte issued a warning. "All we have said now only happens under the conditions that it is possible at that moment," Rutte said. "Caution now is better than regret afterward. We can only unlock the Netherlands if everyone continues to behave sensibly."
The number of reported deaths from COVID-19 in The Netherlands grew by 36 to a total of 5,204 since Tuesday, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) announced on Wednesday. The number of persons tested positive rose by 232 to a total 41,319, while the number of people who are or were admitted to hospital increased by 27 to a total of 11,153. Enditem
