Stricter Covid measures expected for Amsterdam region

The Amsterdam-Amstelland security region is preparing new, stricter measures with which it hopes to break the second wave of coronavirus infections in the region. Veiligheidsregio Amsterdam-Amstelland is prepared to implement these measures, but would prefer if implementation came from the national government, Het Parool reports. 

The leaders of the security region are meeting for the second time this week on Friday to prepare for the implementation of measures. Sources told Parool that these include closing specific catering establishments like wedding- and party venues and possibly cinemas, reducing the limit on event attendees, and further restricting the size of gatherings. Last week, when the region was moved to the "worrisome" level 2 of the government's three-stage warning system, maximum group sizes were already decreased from 100 to 50. 

The security region is expecting to be moved up to "serious" Level 3. In this scenario, a "partial lockdown" may be implemented, Amsterdam mayor and security region chair Femke Halsema previously said. 

The new, stricter measures will not be implemented immediately on Friday, according to the newspaper. The local authorities hope that the national government will implement these measures that restrict people's freedom of movement or damage the economy. The government is expected to hold a press conference on Tuesday.

Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb also called for national measures to be implemented against this second wave of infections. "The map of the Netherlands is turning so red now that I no longer speak of regional but national infections. Almost all big cities are now labeled 'worrisome'. We must discuss with the Minister whether it is better to move on to national measures," he said.