Dutch enjoy return to work, rest and play as lockdown loosens

In Amsterdam, citizens relax by mobile signs urging people to respect the 1.5-meter distance. /CGTN

There were excited scenes across the Netherlands this week as the first stage of its lockdown-easing measures came into effect.

Parents and children are relieved that after two months, schools are opening again. "Contact professionals" such as hairdressers and physiotherapists have reopened their businesses. Adults can once again participate in outdoor sports, except for contact sports. While the Dutch government advises people working at home to continue doing so, the easing down is part of a multi-step plan to reopen the country.

Nail salons and tattoo studios, like this one in Berkel en Rodenrijs, reopened on Monday with stricter safety measures. /CGTN

From 15 March, the country went into an "intelligent lockdown." Although schools, bars, restaurants and entertainment and sports venues have been closed for two months, many shops have stayed open. Contrary to most other European countries, the Dutch were allowed to go outside, as long as they respected the 1.5-meter distance rule.

"I'm happy the schools are open again. The children were really ready for it. I hope it will be a wise decision," says Bart, a father of two at an elementary school in Berkel en Rodenrijs. This leafy suburb in the Rotterdam-The Hague metropolis is a popular area for parents with young children.

After two months of lockdown, it's the first day back at Het Baken elementary school in Berkel en Rodenrijs. /CGTN

Parents at this schoolyard are carefully keeping the safety distance between them. Yet the children are running around as if nothing happened. Mother Kristin is relieved: "It was a bizarre period. Homeschooling and working at home for eight weeks was a bit complicated sometimes. We had to improvise a lot, but I'm happy they're back at school now."

In 25 care homes all around the country, staff are testing new visiting rules. Each nursing home resident can select one friend or family member who will be allowed to visit. If the test is successful, other care homes may follow.

A calm commute at one of the main stations in The Hague, on the first day of the lockdown easing. /CGTN

Despite this week's optimism, there are fears of a possible second wave of infections coming this summer. The Dutch government is closely monitoring the effects of the new measures. Prime Minister Mark Rutte recognized that the partial lifting of the Dutch lockdown had given rise to many questions.

As soon as the infection rate increases, stricter measures can be imposed immediately. If the number of cases decreases, however, a further relaxation of the rules will become possible, starting with the reopening of bars and restaurants and of secondary schools on 1 June. On that date, wearing masks on public transportation will also become mandatory.

Check out The Pandemic Playbook, CGTN Europe's major investigation into the lessons learnt from COVID-19 – including Exit strategies: Can things ever go back to normal?