Netherlands reintroduces face masks to curb spike in Covid-19 cases

The Dutch government on Tuesday decided to re-impose measures, including the wearing of face masks, aimed at slowing the latest spike in Covid-19 infections, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said.

The use of a “corona pass”, showing proof of a Covid-19 vaccination or recent negative coronavirus test, would be broadened as of November 6 to public places including museums, gyms and outdoor terraces, Rutte said.

Coronavirus infections in the Netherlands have been rising for a month after most social distancing measures were scrapped in late September, and reached their highest level since July in the past week.

This has forced many hospitals to cut back on regular care again, to make room for urgent Covid-19 cases.

In a televised news conference, Rutte called on all Dutch, vaccinated and unvaccinated, to stick to basic hygiene rules and to stay at home if they had symptoms of a possible infection.

“Our own behaviour is crucial, a very large part of our coronavirus policy depends on it,” the prime minister said.

Face masks will be reintroduced in stores and other public places, while people are advised to work at home for at least half of the time.

The government next week could decide to broaden the use of the corona pass to the workplace, Rutte said.

Dutch health authorities on Tuesday recommended Covid-19 vaccine booster shots for older adults. Around 84 per cent of the Dutch adult population has been vaccinated.

Rutte’s government routinely adopts the council’s recommendations.