In the Netherlands, people with a runny nose, cough, sore throat, or fever are advised to stay home; they should avoid social contacts as much as possible until they have recovered.
For staff in Dutch hospitals and other “vital processes,” the threshold is higher: they are only required to stay home if they are truly ill. Companies have been asked to have their employees work from home as much as possible. Universities and colleges are being closed, but primary and secondary schools are requested to remain open.
Furthermore, all events with more than 100 people throughout the Netherlands are canceled. Museums, theaters, and sports clubs are also advised to close their doors in the coming weeks. Restaurants with more than 100 seats must take appropriate measures to prevent infection. The new measures will apply at least until April 1.
Many other European countries are also taking strict measures to counter the spread of the coronavirus. In many countries, all schools are closed for the next two or three weeks; in others, restrictions on public transport apply.
France, where more than 2,000 people have been infected, has closed schools in the heavily affected Brittany region and the Oise department, north of Paris. On a national level, gatherings of more than a thousand people are forbidden. The government also advises against visiting elderly people and discourages handshakes and the French double cheek kiss.
Germany reported nearly 2,000 infections on Thursday. The government recommends canceling gatherings of more than 500 people. Large events such as the Hannover Messe industrial fair and the Leipzig Book Market have been canceled. Theaters and concert halls in Berlin are closed. Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that she expects 60 to 70 percent of the population will contract the coronavirus.
In Belgium, people are urged to work from home as much as possible and events with more than a thousand people are discouraged. Large indoor gatherings are banned. In the country, with over three hundred infected people, it is also advised to avoid public transport during rush hour and to stop shaking hands.
Also in Scandinavia, with a total of over 1,500 infections, strict measures are being taken. In Denmark, schools have been closed and the population is asked to stay home as much as possible. Norway has closed its borders to heavily affected countries, and Sweden warns that even tougher measures will be introduced. Denmark discourages gatherings of more than 100 people; Norway and Sweden set the limit at 500.
In Italy, the hardest-hit country in Europe, public life has virtually come to a standstill. On Thursday, the country announced that all shops except supermarkets and pharmacies will be closed. Schools, restaurants, museums, and other public places had already been closed earlier. Sports matches are also canceled. The measures remain in effect at least until April 3.