Message from the regional emergency services

On behalf of Amsterdam’s regional emergency services, Mayor Femke Halsema is calling on all businesses and members of the public in the region to follow the new rules issued by central government. The measures are drastic and have a major impact on public life. We are asking a lot from parents with children, and many local businesses are facing difficult times. Central government has ordered the closure of all schools, creches, cafes and restaurants (including their terraces), coffeeshops, sports clubs and sex clubs.

Cafes and restaurants in the Amsterdam Amstelland region

Cafes and restaurants are closed as of 18.00 on Sunday 15 March. This includes cannabis coffeeshops. Hotels remain open for overnight stays but are only allowed to serve food to their own guests. Pending a decision by national government, on Sunday evening cafes and restaurants in the Amsterdam-Amstelland region were allowed to continue to serve take-away food for delivery or collection, but with their seating areas closed. After consultation with national government, on Monday it will be decided whether it will remain possible to serve or deliver take-away food in the coming weeks.

Schools and creches

Schools and creches are closed from Monday 16 March. They will only provide for the care of children of parents who work in crucial professions. Many schools are currently actively approaching parents to find out which of them work in these professions. Parents with questions are advised to contact their own creche or school.

All the above measures will remain in force until at least until 6 April 2020.

Finally, the board of the Amsterdam regional emergency services is urging residents not to hoard: this is unnecessary, and it disadvantages and inconveniences other members of the public.