The government is extending the ban on one-day events without assigned seating until September 1, with the exception of small-scale outdoor events Requirements

The government is extending the ban on one-day events without assigned seating until September 1, 2021. Small-scale events may be permitted earlier, provided they adhere to strict Requirements, such as requiring COVID-19 admission passes. The OMT has advised the government on this matter. 

The government was scheduled to make a decision on August 13 regarding the ban on one-day events, but, in consultation with the events sector, it moved up the decision to provide clarity to organizers and visitors sooner.

Excluding small-scale outdoor events

Small-scale events will be permitted again starting August 14 under the “ Requirements ” rules. Outdoor events (or those held in an open tent) without assigned seating may be organized with a maximum of 750 attendees. Attendees must have a COVID-19 entry pass. This means proof of vaccination, proof of recovery no more than 6 months old, or a negative test result obtained less than 24 hours before the event. The 1.5- metre -distance rule may then be waived during the event. This applies, for example, to festivals, cultural activities, and student association events with fewer than 750 attendees.

Visitors must have a (free) ticket. The organizer must ensure that visitors’ contact information can be recorded. Staff, volunteers, and performers who do not have a COVID-19 certificate are strongly advised to take a self-test before attending an event; this also applies to children ages 6 through 12. All attendees are strongly advised to take a self-test on day 5 after the event to quickly detect any potential infection. 

A decision on the measures for the hospitality industry, including the use of testing for entry, will be made on August 13. At that time, the options for all events after September 1 will also be considered.

Events with assigned seating

metre Events with assigned seating may be held outdoors for up to 750 people with a COVID-19 entry pass. In such cases, visitors are not required to maintain a distance of one and a half metre . For large outdoor venues, two-thirds of their regular capacity may be used, even if this means that more than 750 people may be present. A COVID-19 entry pass is required in such cases to waive the one and a half metre distance requirement. Indoors, with a COVID-19 entry pass, two-thirds of the regular capacity may be used with assigned seating. There is no requirement to maintain a 1.5- 's distance.

If an event does not require a COVID-19 entry pass, 100% of the “anderhalve metre ” capacity may be utilized, with assigned seating following the “anderhalve metre ” guidelines.

Event Guarantee Policy

One-day events without assigned seating that were scheduled to take place between August 14 and September 1 and have been prohibited may make use of the event guarantee scheme or the supplementary event subsidy. The subsidy rate under the event guarantee scheme for events during this period has recently been increased to 100% of the costs incurred.

Longer waiting period after Janssen vaccination

In accordance with the advice of the OMT, the government has decided to extend the waiting period for full vaccination with the Janssen vaccine from 2 to 4 weeks. This will take effect on August 14. In the meantime, the relevant procedures will be adjusted accordingly, as will the CoronaCheck app, and vaccination providers will be thoroughly prepared. The longer waiting period also applies to admission to events. 

COVID-19 Consultations During the Cabinet's Summer Recess

From July 9 to August 9, 2021, the cabinet is formally in recess. However, regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the ministers most directly involved will continue to meet as usual. Under normal circumstances, they meet twice a week: every Monday for an in-person meeting, followed by a brief briefing for the media. On Wednesdays, the ministers speak with one another by phone. When the situation requires it and decision-making is necessary, a Ministerial COVID-19 Committee is convened.

Starting August 9, the normal meeting schedule will resume. The cabinet will then meet several times a week to discuss the pandemic. During the first cabinet meeting after the recess, on Friday, August 13, the entire package of measures will be reassessed based on the latest information.