Archive English information coronavirus
Older information about the coronavirus can be found on this page.
Coronavirus in Aalsmeer
- Information about the adjusted services of Aalsmeer
- You will find the latest emergency regulations about corona at the website of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region (in Dutch).
Newsupdates:
Shops and outdoor seating at restaurants and cafés will partially reopen; evening curfew lifted
21 April 2021
More and more people are getting vaccinated. This means the number of people getting ill will start falling sharply. And the number of new hospital admissions is expected to decline. Reopening society step by step is not without risk. But the government also has to consider the interests of the economy and society at large. That’s why the government has decided to take the first, cautious step of the reopening plan on 28 April.
- Read the news article Step 1: shops and outdoor seating at restaurants and cafés will partially reopen; evening curfew lifted from the Dutch Government.
Plan to reopen society step by step
14 April 2021
The government has now drafted a plan to reopen society safely, step by step. The first step in the opening plan will be taken on April 28, 2021, at the earliest. Until then the current corona measures apply. After-school care will be reopened to all children on 19 April 2021. Students in higher education will be able to attend in-person classes one day a week as of 26 april 2021, but only if the number of infection allows.
- Read the news article Plan to reopen society step by step from the Dutch government.
Curfew from 10 p.m as of March 31, 2021
31 March 2021
A night-time curfew applies throughout the Netherlands. As of March 31 the curfew will start one hour later, at 10 p.m. That means that everyone stays indoors between 10 p.m. and 4:30 a.m.
- Read more information about the curfew on the website of the Dutch government.
Coronavirus measures will be extended
23 March 2021
The number of coronavirus infections is still increasing, as is the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care units. The third wave is becoming apparent, so the measures currently in place are going to be extended. There will be one minor adjustment: as of 31 March 2021 the curfew will start one hour later, at 22.00 instead of at 21.00.
Further easing of restrictions not yet possible
8 March 2021
The rate of coronavirus infection and the pressure on hospitals are still too high. It would be unwise to ease the restrictions further at this time. We need to keep following the rules which are showing their effect. The government has made minor adjustments to the current measures and is looking ahead. There may be more scope for easing restrictions as of 31 March 2021. It may be possible for restaurants and bars to open outdoor seating areas and for shops to open, subject to strict conditions, but only if the numbers allow.
More breathing space in lockdown, but caution remains
23 February 2021
The coronavirus measures are testing everyone’s resilience, both physically and mentally. The government wants to prevent infections but offer some perspective as well. The lockdown and curfew will remain in force at least up to and including 15 March 2021, but secondary schools and institutions of secondary vocational education (MBO) will partially reopen from 1 March. In addition, from 3 March the government will relax the lockdown in the following ways: young people aged 26 and below will be able to train together outside at sports venues again; contact-based professions can be practised again; and retailers may open for shopping-by-appointment.
The curfew will remain in effect
The curfew will remain in effect until the appeal court has issued its judgment. Everyone is asked to stay at home as much as possible, to limit contact with others to a minimum and to follow all of the current measures. By doing so we can get our freedom back as quickly as possible and in a safe manner.
Dutch vaccination programme against COVID-19
11 February 2021
In 2021 everyone aged 18 and over in the Netherlands will be invited to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Being vaccinated will protect not only you, but also your family, friends and vulnerable people in your surroundings. Once the majority of people are immune to coronavirus, there won’t have to be so many coronavirus restrictions.
Curfew extended due to possible new wave of infections
8 February 2021
The night-time curfew currently in place has now been extended until 04.30 on Wednesday 3 March. This is necessary because new, more contagious variants of coronavirus are gaining ground in the Netherlands, which could lead to a new wave of infections. The other lockdown measures will also remain in force, as indicated during the press conference on Tuesday 2 February.
Coronavirus situation remains serious, lockdown extended
3 February 2021
The number of new positive cases per day is declining and the pressure on hospitals is gradually easing. But new variants of the virus are gaining ground quickly in the Netherlands. This is cause for concern because these new variants are more infectious and can cause a new wave of infections. We must prevent this as much as possible, so that hospitals will continue to be able to treat both COVID-19 and other patients in the months ahead. The government has therefore decided to extend the current lockdown. Primary schools and childcare centres will however reopen as of 8 February 2021. And shops will be allowed to offer customers the option of collecting goods that they have ordered in advance, at pre-agreed times.
Lockdown measures tightened in response to concerns about new variants of virus
21 January 2021
The government is gravely concerned about the UK variant of coronavirus, which is even more infectious than the virus we are familiar with in the Netherlands. There are also other variants of the virus that are sparking concern. New measures are needed in order to get these new variants under control. To that end, the government plans to introduce a curfew within a few days once the measure has been approved by parliament. The government is also issuing stricter advice on visitor numbers: receive no more than one visitor aged thirteen or older per day, and make no more than one visit to another household per day. Further restrictions will also be introduced to limit international travel.
Netherlands to remain in lockdown until at least 9 February inclusive
12 January 2021
The number of people in the Netherlands becoming infected with coronavirus is falling slightly. This shows the lockdown is starting to work. Our next task is to bring about far larger and quicker reductions in daily infection rates, so that the number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals and intensive care units also comes down. The government has therefore decided that the Netherlands will remain in lockdown until at least 9 February inclusive.
January 18: Vaccination health care staff in the RAI
30 December 2020
The municipal health services of Amsterdam will commence the vaccination of health care staff of the Amsterdam Amstelland region, as of January 18, 2021. The location for this vaccination is the RAI. First in line are the staff of nursing homes, care for the disabled and home care staff. All health care staff will an invitation from their employer.
- Read more about the vaccination against Covid-19 (in Dutch).
Lockdown in order to minimise contact between people
15 December 2020
Coronavirus is once again spreading rapidly. In recent weeks, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of infections, with figures up to around 9,000 per day. The number of patients with COVID-19 in hospitals and care homes is also rising. That has an impact on healthcare in general; more than one million routine hospital procedures have had to be postponed. Unfortunately, it is not always possible to trace the source of an infection. But one thing is clear: the more people a person comes into contact with, the greater their chance of being infected. In order to ensure normal healthcare services can continue, we must take action and limit our contact with other people as much as possible. This is why the Netherlands will go into its strictest lockdown yet from 15 December 2020 until at least Tuesday 19 January 2021.
Partial lockdown continues to apply during festive season
8 December 2020
The COVID-19 infection rate is still too high, as is the pressure on the healthcare sector. On average, 24 people are being admitted to intensive care units every day. So we have no choice but to prolong the partial lockdown, even during the festive season. We all wish it were different, but the virus does not allow us to drop our guard. By keeping enough distance and reducing our contact with others, we can protect ourselves and each other.
Apply for exemption from the temporary corona law
3 December 2020
Do you want to apply for an exemption from the Temporary COVID-19 corona law? In exceptional cases this is possible for certain individual situations. Apply for the exemption at the municipality.
Temporary corona law from 1 December
1 December 2020
The temporary corona law will take effect on 1 December 2020. The temporary law replaces the emergency ordinances. The chairman of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region will revoke the emergency ordinance of 18 November 2020 when the temporary law comes into force.
Face masks mandatory from 1 December
27 November 2020
From 1 December 2020 face masks must be work in all indoor public spaces and covered areas. This includes educational institutions, public transport and locations where contact-based professions are carried out, as well as shops, town halls and train stations. A mask is mandatory for everyone aged 13 and over. If you do not wear a face mask in a place where you must wear one, you may be fined €95,-.
Help and support when self-quarantining (staying at home)
25 November 2020
To everyone in the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region who is tested positive for corona, the GGD sends a letter with the folder "Help and support when self-quarantining (staying at home)". If you are infected this is of course very annoying. You will go into (home) quarantine for ten days. This means that you will stay indoors and will not receive visitors. This prevents the spread of the corona virus. The municipality understands that it can be difficult for you to stay indoors for ten days. Support and assistance is available during this time if you need it. In the brochure you can read where you can ask for help.
- View the brochure "Help and support with home quarantine" on the website of the National Government.
Partial lockdown to continue
18 November 2020
Measures remain necessary so we can protect one another
The number of coronavirus infections is falling. That is good news. We are following the rules, and this is having an impact. But we are not there yet, so it’s important that we maintain the partial lockdown. We will continue to limit our travel movements and contact with each other. We will continue to follow the basic rules. And we will try to help each other get through this difficult period.
- Take notice of the measures that will apply from November 19, 2020.
Emergency ordinance as of November 4, 2020 10 p.m.
4 November 2020
In the press conference on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, the government announced a number of additional measures that the security region can implement. That is why the emergency ordinance of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region has been amended as of November 4 at 10 p.m.
- Read the amended emergency ordinance on the website of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region (in Dutch).
Temporary tightening of partial lockdown
4 November 2020
Together we have succeeded in halting the rise of coronavirus infections. We are on the right path, but we are not moving quickly enough. The numbers need to drop faster if we are to guarantee the quality of care for all patients and prevent hospital staff from becoming overwhelmed. The government has therefore decided to impose extra measures for the next two weeks on top of the current partial lockdown.
Progress letter COVID-19 Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region
21 October 2020
Every two weeks, the chairman of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region (VrAA) sends a letter to the councils of the mayor and aldermen about the progress in the approach to COVID-19. The letter consists of three parts:
- to provide a state of affairs regarding to the risk classification of our security region;
- gives a status of the various relevant indicators;
- provides an update on the implementation of the measures.
Read the progress letter on the website of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region (in Dutch).
Emergency ordinance as of October 14, 2020 10 p.m.
15 October 2020
In the press conference on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, the government announced a number of additional measures that the security region can implement. That is why the emergency ordinance of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region has been amended as of October 14 at 10 p.m.
- Read the amended emergency ordinance on the website of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region (in Dutch).
Partial lockdown to reduce infections
14 October 2020
The coronavirus has been given too much room to spread again. The cabinet has decided today that stricter measures are needed to ensure that the number of infections decreases. We do this by intervening in those places where the risk of transmission of the virus are the greatest. By limiting the number of contact moments and travel movements, supporting people in complying with the basic rules and stricter enforcement.
Emergency ordinance as of September 29, 2020, 6 PM
30 September 2020
The emergency ordinance of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region has been amended as of September 29, 2020, 6 PM.
- Read the amended emergency ordinance (in Dutch)
Tightened measures against the spread of the corona virus
29 September 2020
The cabinet announced new measures in the press conference on 28 September 2020. This is necessary to prevent the spread of the corona virus. The national measures will apply from Tuesday 29 September 2020 on 6.00 p.m and will at least apply for the next three weeks.
Emergency ordinance as of September 20, 2020
21 September 2020
During the press conference of Friday September 18, 2020, the government has announced new measures for 6 safety regions, due to the increasing number of contaminations, that have been categorized as ‘worrisome’ The emergency ordinance of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region has been amended accordingly as of September 20, 2020.
- Read the amended emergency ordinance (in Dutch).
New regional measures to control the spread of coronavirus
18 September 2020
The government has announced specific measures to control the spread of coronavirus. The measures have been coordinated closely with 6 safety regions and are based on urgent recommendations by the Outbreak Management Team. They will come into effect at 18:00 on Sunday 20 September 2020.
Adjustments to emergency regulation: measures extended
16 September 2020
The emergency ordinance of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region has been amended on a number of points:
- All measures in force on September 1 2020 have been extended.
- The obligation for young people to wear a mask in student and target group transport is not being maintained. This concerns the transport of pupils to and from secondary (special) education. In addition, it concerns the transport of young people up to the age of 17 to and from the location where young people receive youth care, childcare and care locations for youth, such as child service centers (KDC). Only the explanation to article 2.8 has been changed for this.
These changes are in accordance with national policy.
- Read the amended emergency ordinance (in Dutch).
Progress letter COVID-19 Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region
9 September 2020
Every two weeks, the chairman of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region (VrAA) sends a letter to the council of mayor and aldermen about the progress in the approach to COVID-19.
The letter of September 4, 2020 consists of three parts:
- A state of affairs regarding the development of the previously announced escalation ladder;
- A state of affairs regarding the indicators on the development of COVID-19 in the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region;
- An update on the measures announced on August 18, 2020.
- Read the Progress letter on the COVID-19 approach to the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region (in Dutch).
Measures corona virus as of September 1, 2020
3 September 2020
Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Minister Hugo de Jonge shared the current state of the corona virus in a press conference on September 1, 2020. They indicated where we are now, about six months after the start of the outbreak. They also discussed what we are doing to stay ahead of a second wave.
Emergency ordinance as of August 21, 2020
21 August 2020
The emergency ordinance of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region has been amended as of August 21 2020.
- Read the amended emergency ordinance (in Dutch)
New national rules and urgent advice
19 August 2020
The number of coronavirus infections and hospital admissions have increased further. Prime Minister Rutte warns that we will soon be back to square one, if we are not careful. That is why the government has announced to tighten up the measures.
Letter to the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region regarding coronavirus developments
18 August 2020
Tonight, the mayor of the Safety Region, Femke Halsema, sent a letter to the city council of Amsterdam and councils of the Amsterdam-Amstelland region. In this letter, she provides an analysis of the spread of the corona virus in the region. In addition, she discusses the measures taken in the recent weeks and outlines the possible steps that can be taken in the coming months if the number of infections continues to rise.
Emergency ordinance as of August 14, 2020
17 August 2020
The emergency ordinance of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region has been amended as of August 14 2020.
- Read the amended emergency ordinance (in Dutch)
- Lees the designation order (in Dutch)
Emergency ordinance as of August 10, 2020
11 August 2020
In the press conference on Thursday, August 6 2020, the government announced a number of additional measures that Security Regions can implement. That is why the emergency ordinance of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region has been amended on three points:
- Prohibition from introduction weeks. The Safety Region can grant an exemption for small-scale activities aimed at education or sports where no alcohol is served;
- Obligation in the catering industry to request data from visitors for source and contact research of the GGD;
- Further explanation that buildings (not houses) can be closed for a maximum of fourteen days if there is a source of infection there.
From August 5 2020 it is mandatory in parts of Amsterdam to wear a mouth mask. Wearing masks does not apply to Aalsmeer.
Regaining control over coronavirus with local measures
07 August 2020
Fortunately, many people are still complying with the basic rules. However, there are also lots of people who are not. This is a cause for concern and is reflected in the recent outbreaks that have been seen. If we cannot all work together to turn the tide, we run the risk of losing control over the virus again. We will also lose the progress we have achieved together over the past few months.
As a result, the government will be supporting local authorities in taking additional action to get coronavirus under control where necessary. This can include introducing extra, local measures in addition to the national measures already in place. We will also be implementing and strengthening certain nationwide measures.
- Read more about the measures on Government.nl.
Stay alert, stick to the rules
23 July 2020
The number of corona infections is increasing. That is why it is important that we stick to the rules. On the website Government.nl you can find more information about the basic rules and rules that apply indoors and outdoors.
Emergency ordinance as of 15 July 2020
16 July 2020
As of 15 July 2020 the regional emergency ordinance of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region has been clarified on a number of points. Read more about the most important changes as of 15 July 2020.
Emergency ordinance as of July 1, 2020
1 July 2020
The government has announced that the corona measures can be relaxed as of 1 July 2020. The regional emergency ordinance of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region has been adapted to this. Read more about the most important changes as of 1 July 2020
From 1 July: staying 1.5 metres apart remains the norm
25 June 2020
We can now take another step forward in our approach to tackling coronavirus. A new phase is beginning and we are moving from an intelligent lockdown to less restrictive rules. General rules still apply, because coronavirus has not gone away. Read more about the new measures from 1 July 2020 on Government.nl.
Emergency ordinance as of June 15, 2020
16 June 2020
The emergency ordinance of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region is adjusted on a number of points, as of June 15 2020. Communal washing, toilet and shower facilities at recreation parks, holiday parks, camping areas, camping fields and marinas may open again on June 15. This also applies to changing and showers in swimming pools and sports clubs. In addition, residents of nursing homes may receive multiple visitors from June 15. This is subject to the condition that the nursing home is free from corona infections and that the visit is kept 1.5 meters away. On Government.nl you can read more about moving step by step towards more freedom in public life.
Travelling abroad possible from June 15
8 June 2020
From June 15, 2020, it will be possible to go on holiday to countries within the EU/Schengen zone and to the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. The travel advice for countries in those areas will be changed from orange (holiday travel not recommended) to yellow (holiday travel possible, watch out for risks). Avoid crowds, even during the holiday season. Are you going on vacation anyway? Make sure you travel smart.
From June 1, 2020 testing is possible for anyone with mild symptoms
29 May 2020
Anyone with mild symptoms that may indicate the coronavirus, can make an appointment to be tested at the Municipal Health Service (GGD) via a national telephone number from June 1, 2020. Throughout the Netherlands, the number of GGD test facilities has been expanded to over 80. If there is an infection with the coronavirus, the GGD will start a source and contact investigation. Even after June 1, the follow-up of the hygiene measures and the 1.5 meter distance rule remains of great importance, in addition to extensive testing and tracing. To make a test appointment, a national toll free telephone number will be available from June 1, 2020.
Tackling the coronavirus: the next step
19 May 2020
As long as coronavirus remains under control, we will continue to move step by step towards having more freedom. As of June 1, 2020 the Netherlands will relax a few more measures. People will be able to do certain things together again.
Loosening the corona measures from the 11th of May
13 May 2020
On 6th May last, the government announced a step-by-step plan for loosening the corona measures. With this plan, we have reached a new phase of the corona crisis. From Monday 11th May, Aalsmeer will gradually open up again. The adjustments have been adopted in the new emergency order of the Amsterdam-Amstelland Safety Region.
Step by step going forward
7 May 2020
Avoid busy places and stay 1.5 metres away from others
From Monday 11 May we can allow one another a little more freedom, while keeping coronavirus under control. But it will be more important than ever to observe the main basic rules.
King's Day is celebrated at home
24 April 2020
We regret that King's Day cannot be celebrated in the traditional way because of the corona measures. This means there will be no activities in Aalsmeer either.
Corona measures extended
22 April 2020
We will continue with the corona approach in the Netherlands. Wash your hands, stay at home as much as possible, work from home, keep your distance; all measures advised by experts are extended. However, there is cautiously more space for children and young people.
Number of corona infections and hospital names in Aalsmeer on the RIVM website
As of today (22 April 2020), the number of corona infections and hospital admissions will no longer be tracked on the municipal website, but only on the RIVM website. On the RIVM website you can find the most accurate and recent information about positively tested persons, hospital admissions and deceased persons, also at municipal level.
Keep your old clothes at home for now
17 april 2020
The City is normally very pleased with every piece of clothing that ends up in the underground textile containers, but at the moment this is not a good idea.
Stay at home for Easter!
9 april 2020
The Easter weekend is coming up and the weather will be great. Yet, you are still urged to stay at home as much as possible and only go outside for an errand or a walk around the block. Not for recreational purposes.
Adapted services
On this page you will find the adapted services of the City of Aalsmeer with regard to the measures concerning the coronavirus and the upcoming public holidays.
- Go to page Adapted services
The Safety Region takes additional measures for the weekend
3 April 2020
The first spring weekend is coming up, but we are still urging you to stay at home as much as possible and to go outside only for an errand or a short walk and not for recreation. Do not visit busy places such as parks and squares and always keep at least 1.5 metres’ distance. These measures are and will be necessary to combat corona and limit the pressure on the healthcare capacity. Only together can we control corona.
City support package
1 April 2020
Unusual times call for unusual measures. All aspects of our daily lives have changed due to the coronavirus. In your family, your business, and also in care, education and business. That is why on 31 March 2020, in addition to the national support package, the Aalsmeer city council also promulgated a city support package. Below you will find an overview of the city and national support measures.
Support to social organisations
- The rental income by the city to subsidised institutions is suspended for 6 months;
- Subsidies paid and yet to be paid for the year 2020 will not be recovered (even if no performance has been made);
- The city is prepared to provide cultural, social and sports institutions with liquidity in the coming six months on the basis of specific substantiated applications.
- Contracted care providers who are unable to - entirely - meet their obligations during the next three months because of the corona issues, can request the city in writing, supported by documentary evidence, to be fair in the final invoice.
Measures to combat coronavirus extended until Tuesday 28 April inclusive
The government decided today that all measures taken in the Netherlands to combat coronavirus will be extended until Tuesday 28 April inclusive. In the week before 28 April, the government will assess what measures are necessary in the period after that date. The government urges people to stay at home during the Easter weekend.
Weekly market on Tuesday continues with food only
30 March 2020
Non-food stalls will no longer be allowed on the market. This has been agreed on a regional level because of the recent government measures. This means that markets will still be held, but only for food stalls.
Stricter measures to control coronavirus
24 March 2020
On Monday 23 March the government introduced additional measures to combat the coronavirus outbreak.
• Read more about the additional measures
Frequently Asked Questions coronavirus
18 March 2020
In this list you can find the answers to the most Frequently Asked Questions about the coronavirus in Aalsmeer.
Message from the regional emercengy services
16 March 2020
Central government has ordered the closure of all schools, creches, cafes and restaurants (including their terraces), coffeeshops, sports clubs and sex clubs. In a message from the regional emercengy services you can find the measures.
Appointment town hall
13 March 2020
You can reach the town hall of Aalsmer by phone or online. Telephone number: (0297) 38 75 75
Letter Mayor Halsema from Amsterdam and Chair of the Security Region Amsterdam-Amstelland
12 March 2020
Mayor Halsema from Amsterdam and Chair of the Security Region Amsterdam-Amstelland has written a letter about the new measures as of 12 March 2020.
Advice and information on the new coronavirus
29 Februari 2020
The corona virus (COVID-19) outbreak is giving rise to many questions, including about the potential impact on the Netherlands. A wide range of relevant organisations are working together to prevent infections occurring, as well as to limit the impact of the new virus.
The Dutch government provides the latest information regarding Coronavirus in English, as well as links to frequently asked questions and answers given on other official websites.
Advice and information on the new coronavirus
The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) is providing advice and information on the new coronavirus. The organisation provides advice to doctors, laboratories and municipal health services (GGDs) on tackling the virus in the Netherlands.
- You can find detailed information on the new coronavirus on the RIVM website.
- Anyone with questions can also contact RIVM directly.
- Q and A coronavirus (COVID-19) on RIVM.
National information line
For further questions, please call the national information line: 0800-1351 (please note that this service is available in Dutch only).
General health advice
- wash your hands with soap and water
- sneeze and cough into your elbow
- turn away from others coughing or sneezing
- use paper tissues.