New COVID-19 measures take effect from Wednesday, April 14, at 10 PM. A practical roadmap also outlines restrictions by phase, giving everyone clear guidance on what lies ahead.
Key New Measures
Here's a concise overview of the most significant changes, applying from 10 PM tonight for the next four weeks:
- Restaurants and catering venues will close. Hotels can serve meals to guests, and catering at funeral homes plus post-security airport facilities remains open.
- Alcohol sales in stores and online are banned after 8 PM. Public consumption after 8 PM is prohibited.
- Shopping evenings end. Most stores close at 8 PM; supermarkets may operate longer.
- Takeaway food collection is allowed.
- Team sports for ages 18+ are banned. Individual training or with up to 4 people is permitted.
- No under-18 competitions, but training continues. Same-club matches are allowed.
- Sports cafeterias, showers, and changing rooms close.
- Gyms stay open.
- Maximum 3 visitors at home, once daily—no 'block birthdays' as Prime Minister Mark Rutte described. No rotating groups like family in the morning and friends later.
- Indoors (not home) or outdoors, up to 4 people from different households.
- Face masks mandatory in public soon—legislation underway, but urgently advised now.
The Roadmap: Clarity for All Phases
The government has released a roadmap specifying measures per phase for better long-term visibility, reducing confusion and debate.
>> View the roadmap here
