What no longer needs to be done regarding Covid and what still must be done
After one minute of looking around with my mouth open, I had it under control again. Dancing closely together and breathing in each other's aura. The measures have almost disappeared, but there are still some side notes that you should keep in mind. Just save it in your favorites, for when you lose track.
March 23 is the day
On Wednesday, the mask mandate in public transport, testing for entry, and the travel certificate in the Netherlands will be lifted. This means you can freely kiss at a festival without being tested and breathe next to your neighbor on the train without a mask. Just like in the good old days. The advice remains to wear a mask in places where it is extremely crowded. The government also emphasizes that we should respect people who do want to wear a mask or keep their distance. Seems like a good agreement to make with each other.
And what if you have a little cough?
Very simple: if you have symptoms, stay home and do a self-test. If you get two lines on the self-test (even a tiny mild second line), then go to the GGD for a PCR test. Sometimes self-tests are false positives, so it's nice to be sure of your infection. Is it positive? On the Rijksoverheid website, you will find a easypeasy questionnaire that calculates whether and how long you need to quarantine. If you are symptom-free for 24 hours after five days, you can go wherever you want or after ten days in isolation.
Doing a self-test twice a week in education and healthcare is no longer necessary from now on. It remains wise to open your home laboratory when visiting someone with a weak health.
So the QR code can be thrown out?
Nope, because in many countries you still need a QR code to enter. Just be aware that you need to download it again on your phone. But you no longer need to test, scan, or anything else to enter the Netherlands.
Why say goodbye to those measures now?
More and more people have been vaccinated or have had Covid-19, making them much less susceptible to the virus. It also appears that people are less likely to end up in the hospital (or ICU) after being infected with Covid-19. All very favorable news, making further easing a logical choice.
What remains?
Washing your hands (nice and fresh), coughing and sneezing into your elbow (not into your hand), opening a window in stuffy rooms, and protecting yourself and your environment by getting vaccinated, getting a booster, or a repeat shot.
The government also continues to encourage everyone to work hybrid, both in the office and at home. Even if it's just to keep what was beneficial during Covid times. No traffic jams, concentrated work, and showing up in sweatpants for a meeting.
What else remains? Never having to kiss a vague acquaintance again. Government, can you please add this to Rijksoverheid.nl? Thanks.
Just to be clear
I believe I have heard someone say 100 times that they still have Covid-19, even though they are vaccinated. For the very last time: that vaccination does not mean you won't get it. The chance is slightly smaller that you catch it, but a vaccination mainly ensures that you don't get so seriously ill that you end up in the hospital.
Source: Rijksoverheid
