The planned relaxation of the lockdown has been postponed by one week to April 28. A spokesman for the Government Information Service informed the ANP about this.

Earlier this week, it was leaked that the cabinet hoped to be able to expand the corona measures on April 21. "That is just too early," said the spokesman. It only relaxes after the peak of the third wave has passed.

This is the result of consultations between part of the cabinet and experts including Jaap van Dissel of the RIVM on Sunday in the Catshuis. There was extensive talk about the cabinet's opening plan.

Opening plan

Relaxations that could be announced on April 28 may include the opening of terraces and the lifting of curfews. Consideration is also being given to the partial opening of higher education and further opening of shops. The visitors' scheme could also be expanded.

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Minister Hugo de Jonge (Public Health) will explain exactly how things will proceed with the opening plan.

Shudder

Experts said this week that they were reluctant to face any rapid easing. Infection rates remain very high. On Sunday, the RIVM reported 8288 new corona cases. Hospitals are filling up. They treat nearly 2500 corona patients. The IC capacity of hospitals was further expanded a few days ago.

Virologist and OMT member Marion Koopmans said on Sunday afternoon in the television program Buitenhof that the situation is "worrisome" and that therefore "extremely careful" must be acted. "We are not yet at the peak of the third wave."

After the leakage of the possible relaxation of the lockdown, Minister De Jonge warned against too much optimism. “We shouldn't do stupid things in sight of the port,” he said.

Also read: Curfew and open terraces on the table in Catshuis