by Emily Manuel
Contributor, Eagle News

TILBURG, The Netherlands (Eagle News) — Traveling on a public bus in Rotterdam, Susan Vermeule sits on one side and her friend on the other.

On March 24, companies have been advised to implement a 1.5 meter distance rule or face fines. Since then, buses and trains have posted signs advising everyone to keep their distance from other passengers. NS trains even goes as far as advising everyone not to use the trains unless it’s absolutely necessary.

Supermarkets have imposed a maximum number of persons allowed in their stores, which means long queues in some areas.

The Netherlands is not under strict lockdown but schools, restaurants, sports centres and other similar public establishments remain closed. Gatherings are disallowed and people are advised to maintain their distance or otherwise stay at home.

The closure of establishments was originally set until April 6, but may be extended. The ban on gatherings and rule on distancing has been extended to June 1.

Susan thinks that “although the government is doing it’s best, it’s still not good enough. A lot of people still go out and don’t exercise precautions. I prefer a total lockdown because the situation is getting worse.”

According to the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), “the number of reported hospital admissions and the number of deceased patients appears to be increasing less rapidly than would be expected without measures in place. In a number of days, it can be concluded whether the number of hospital admissions and the number of deaths among reported patients is actually levelling off, and thus how well the measures are working.”

With total confirmed cases surpassing 10,000 and 771 reported deaths, the Dutch government will decide on March 31 whether additional measures are necessary and whether a total lockdown will soon become more imminent.