Enschede, 2020-05-14

As of 11 May 2020, hairdressers and other professions that rely on physical contact with customers are allowed to reopen their businesses in accordance with the hygienic guidelines of the Dutch health organization, RIVM.

Schools for kids younger than twelve years and libraries have also reopened.

From 1 June 2020, further measures will be eased: Restaurants as well as museums, cultural institutions and cinemas will be reopened, but with strict limits on the maximum number of people who are allowed to be inside at any one time. This maximum number is increased from 30 to 100 people as of 1 June. However, the relaxation is subject to the condition that no further outbreak of coronavirus occurs and the number of new infections remains low. No major events will take place until further notice.

The Dutch government has also taken numerous measures for entrepreneurs and companies. Freelancers are allowed to receive a one-off amount of EUR 4.000 as compensation for their loss of income. Companies with employees who experience a loss in turnover due to COVID-19 can receive a large allowance for labour costs under the condition that the employer does not terminate the employment relationship with employees. These measures will change soon, however, no new regulations have been proposed yet. Tax deferrals can also be requested.

Author: Irith Hoffmann, I.K.M., attorney at law

Damsté lawyers – civil law notaries