What can we do today with the coronavirus?

HAIRDRESSER. Sorry, that is of course everyone's highlight of the upcoming week. Or well, everyone... This girl here can only go next week because everything was already fully booked. Unbelievable, right? Rob Peetoom already mentioned that the number of appointments was truly overwhelming and it's the first time that an article from De Speld (‘Hairdressers sold out in 12 seconds’) seemed more true than nonsense. Because everyone was massively trying to book that appointment. Gray hair, roots, split ends... From this week on, those can finally be a thing of the past. But of course, more has changed. So here's a little overview: what can we do this week, and what still can't we?

Besides the fact that hairdressers are overwhelmed with appointments, we can also get our nails done again (and I really needed that…). The physiotherapist is not included: they were allowed to open earlier, just like the dentist. And everywhere it applies that you can't just walk in unannounced. Or well, you can, but you won't be helped. Everything is by appointment and that will remain the case for now.

But there is more good news. We are allowed much more in the sports area: tennis courts are reopening and swimming indoors is possible again. Matches, of any sport, are still off for a while. By the way, a beer after a game of tennis is still not allowed, because the sports canteens can only open on September 1. Showering is also not allowed at the sports park, that can only be done at home.

You know what? Here’s a clear overview of what is allowed again from today:

• Hairdressers, beauty treatments, and nail salons are allowed to reopen
• Dieticians, masseurs, osteopaths, acupuncturists, dental prosthetists (learned a new word today) and opticians can get back to work
• Driving schools can reopen
• Tennis and golf parks can reopen
• Indoor swimming pools are also open for visits
• No matches are being played
• Outdoor sports are only allowed at a distance of 1.5 meters (so: frisbee?)
• Primary schools (partially) reopen
• Children still need to keep as much distance as possible from teachers (my mother is a teacher and is secretly quite apprehensive about how this will all work)
• Childcare, after-school care, and day care can reopen
• Special (primary) education is also reopening its doors
• 25 nursing homes can receive visitors: one person per resident
• Libraries are also open for business
• Yay: partners can accompany to ultrasounds and pregnancy consultations again

And what is still NOT allowed? You can still only be with a maximum of three people outside your home, at a distance of one and a half meters (according to the national government, because the Safety Council says they will fine for three or more). But you no longer have to stay home continuously. Unless you have symptoms, then of course you do. If everything continues to develop positively this month, the hospitality industry can open on June 1. With a maximum of 30 people inside, by reservation. But: the terrace can also open.

The bitten dog in this story is definitely the gyms and yoga schools. They will remain closed for now. I guess that has to do with the increased risk of infections during exercise (because you breathe in and out deeper and can therefore transmit more infected particles), but for those businesses, September 1 is really tough. Especially yoga schools, I personally see no problem with a yoga nidra class at a distance of one and a half meters. Maybe it's better that I'm not in politics.

Anyway, I wish everyone a very nice, happy good hair day today and may your nails shine like never before. It's allowed again.

Source: Rijksoverheid