The Dutch government will announce new restrictive measures to combat the rapid increase of COVID-19 infections in a press conference today, officials have told Dutch news outlet NOS.Â
The government will announce that COVID passports will be mandatory for sports venues and so-called “high-flow” spaces, such as amusement parks and museums, from Friday onwards. Face coverings will also become mandatory for public spaces and contact professions, and the government will urge people to work from home at least part-time.
Dutch disease control and prevention agency RIVM reported 7,744 positive cases on Monday, with Sunday marking the highest number of infections since July.
The rise has resulted in a steady increase of COVID-19 patients in intensive care. Outgoing Health Minister Hugo de Jonge told press agency ANP that new restrictions are “inevitable.â€Â
The Dutch government is exploring options to make COVID passports necessary in higher education and vocational colleges, but this measure would require a change in law and need parliamentary approval.