We are at a strange and uncertain phase of the pandemic. On one hand, the COVID-19 vaccines have offered a certain amount of respite to the weary minds of people around the world, on the other, the mutant strains are causing havoc. In order to curtail the spread of the new variant of the coronavirus, several European countries have implemented lockdowns and curfews again. The Netherlands is one such country that has tightened the lockdown measures in response to concerns about new variants of the virus.
Last month, the Dutch government implemented a night-time curfew – between 21.00 and 4.30 – throughout the Netherlands. Recently, the government extended the night-time curfew until 04.30 on Wednesday 3 March. According to the rules, people are not allowed to go outdoors without a valid reason. “If you have to go out for work-related reasons, you must also be able to show an employer’s declaration for curfew exemption. Your employer will determine whether it is necessary for you to be outdoors during curfew hours. If so, they will complete the form on your behalf.”