Netherlands Lockdown Travel Restrictions: What You Need to Know

As the Omicron variant continues to spread rapidly across the Netherlands, the government has taken drastic measures to slow its progression and prevent the healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed. In a bid to curb the spread of the virus, the country is going into lockdown from Sunday 19 December until at least Friday 14 January 2022.

The key takeaway is that everyone should stay at home as much as possible and avoid busy places to reduce the risk of transmission. This is not just an advisory measure; it's a necessity to ensure hospital and GP care remains available when we need it most.

The RIVM, the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, has calculated that the measures already in place are insufficient to manage the pressure on hospitals and care homes. With the Omicron variant being relatively new, many factors remain uncertain, making it crucial to take immediate action.

Current measures in place aim to slow the spread of the coronavirus, including social distancing, mask-wearing, and reduced capacity at public gatherings. However, despite these efforts, the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) expects that Omicron will become the dominant variant in the Netherlands by the end of December.

The rapid increase in infections means that the number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals and ICUs will continue to rise before the end of the year. It's essential for everyone to take responsibility and adhere to these restrictions to prevent a catastrophic overload on the healthcare system.

By staying at home, avoiding busy places, and following public health guidelines, we can all play a crucial role in slowing the spread of the Omicron variant and ensuring that hospital and GP care remains available when we need it most.

Netherlands lockdown travel restrictions