COVID-19 measures in the Hollands Midden Safety Region will remain in effect even after restrictions are eased

The mayors are calling on residents and business owners in the region to continue complying with the measures: “Let’s do everything we can together to bring infection rates back down, so that after the next assessment on Tuesday, January 25, we can take the next steps in the right direction”.

We are responsible for enforcing the measures established by the national government. We will therefore continue to enforce the rules that take effect on Saturday. The Hollands Midden Safety Region will not tolerate businesses opening when it is not permitted to do so. This also applies to protests such as those announced in a number of locations throughout the Netherlands.

During Friday evening’s press conference, the cabinet announced that it would partially ease the measures against the coronavirus. The 18 mayors of the Hollands Midden Safety Region discussed the current situation regarding the coronavirus and the announced measures. The mayors will continue to implement the enforcement policy they have followed throughout the pandemic. This means allowing what is possible while preventing the spread of the virus.

The mayors in the Hollands Midden Safety Region are pleased that restrictions have been eased. At the same time, there are also sectors that are still being hit hard: “The announced easing of restrictions means that more is possible again for many business owners. We’re glad that stores are allowed to stay open until 5:00 p.m. again and that contact professions are permitted once more. In the areas of sports and education as well, the easing of restrictions means that, with caution, more activities can resume—even though this package as a whole is not yet the final step we’re all waiting for.”

For the hospitality, cultural, and events sectors, the easing of restrictions has not yet provided the relief that was hoped for, and that is a bitter pill to swallow. “These sectors have been hit particularly hard, and business owners are often struggling to stay afloat. As mayors, we are very well aware of this—especially since the national relief packages for these business owners are still insufficient.”