Hospital directors, scientists, and virologists fear a new lockdown in the Netherlands, warning that the Dutch cabinet’s policy is not prepared for a spike in COVID-19 cases.
Dutch Minister of Health Ernst Kuipers admits that his country lacks a good strategy if COVID-19 cases do increase in the fall. However, he emphasizes that each sector prepare accordingly. He also expects a “revival” of the virus in autumn, estimating five to 10 million infections in the country.
Kuipers wants the sectors to take charge in combating COVID-19 instead of the government.
“What I can do is closely monitor the virus, announce a new round of vaccinations, and stimulate healthcare to take all measures. But at the same time, the question to the school or the restaurant owner is: what do you do in your life and environment?”, says Kuipers.
He also expressed that The Hague is no longer responsible for measures combating COVID-19. “The sectors and the citizens themselves say: let us take control.”
Kuipers said he wants to avoid severe measures like the previous winters. However, he will implement measures if they minimize infections. This includes a new round of COVID-19 booster injections and mandatory face masks in public transport.