2020 - Wittenborg Reopening All Locations on 2 June

07.05.2020

Wittenborg Cautiously Reopening Locations on 2 June Following Ease in Dutch COVID-19 Restrictions

From 2 June WUAS will cautiously reopen all its locations in the Netherlands for appointment-only meetings and for students who wish to use its library or internet facilities, following a gradual ease in COVID-19 restrictions announced by the Dutch government Wednesday evening. Students and staff are strongly cautioned to adhere to those regulations that will remain in place such keeping a distance of 1.5m and newly issued ones like wearing a mask when using public transport from 1 June.

Wittenborg's chair of the executive board, Peter Birdsall, said both of its locations in the Netherlands – Apeldoorn and Amsterdam – will reopen on 2 June, but students who wish to see lecturers or support staff will have to make an appointment. In the meantime, classes will continue online until the end of the academic year in July, as the last block (7) will already be underway. For the first time, Wittenborg's annual Summer Graduation Ceremony which was scheduled for 10 July, has been cancelled, and will be replaced by an online version.

Face masks - people urged to avoid wearing medical-use face masks

Only on public transport will the wearing of face masks become compulsory, and Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte, has emphasised that the public is not allowed to wear medical masks – which give the best protection – because these are reserved for those who work in the care sector, which is still experiencing a shortage. From 1 June everyone on public transport will nonetheless be obliged to wear a mask. If not, you risk being fined.

Rutte said "correct" wearing of a mask seems to have resulted in some positive effects. Especially when it comes to the protection of others since there are some circumstances – like traveling on public transport – which might not always allow keeping a distance from others.

Everyone will be responsible for obtaining their own mask, as long as it's not a medical mask. "You can buy one or make one yourself." Patterns for making your own mask are plenty on the internet and the cabinet intends to set up a website describing the best way to sew a mask to cover your mouth and nose.

The most important dates in the easing of restrictions are the following:

11 May

Primary schools will reopen under certain conditions
Businesses like hair and nail salons which require close contact will reopen, but only by appointment and when clients have no symptoms
Outside sports like tennis and golf will be allowed again, but no matches

1 June

Public transport will run on normal schedules again
High schools and colleges will reopen
Museums, terraces and monuments will reopen provided people are kept 1.5m apart
Museum tickets will need to be purchased online
Restaurants, theatres and cinemas can reopen, but with a maximum of 30 people allowed inside

1 July

Camping and holiday parks may reopen fully
Restaurants, theatres and cinemas may now allow 100 people maximum

1 September

Contact sport and sport schools are allowed again
Saunas can reopen
Smaller events and sport matches allowed, but unclear when big events like festivals and concerts will be allowed again