Expat Chronicles: The Netherlands in the time of Covid-19
The last two months have been such a time of stress, uncertainty and loss all over the world. Of course I’ve been in close touch with our friends and family in the United States and following a modest helping of world news. The world is truly in this together, but one’s experience of life during the pandemic differs dramatically from place to place and from person to person.
Today I want to share what life has been like in The Netherland in the time of coronavirus. Let me preface this by stating that my description is not a prescription. Still, I have been struck with gratitude again and again to live in such a stable country during this troubling time. I hope you’ll find this interesting and, perhaps, a bit hopeful.
prior to Covid-19, used with permission, via Unsplash
First, some perspective. The Netherlands has a population of 17 million, a little less than New York State. We’re a much smaller land mass though, making our overall population density among the highest in Europe. This is not a good thing in a pandemic.
The first confirmed case of coronavirus was recorded in The Netherlands on the 27th of February. As per the latest stats, we’ve recorded about 44,000 total infected and almost 6000 deaths. Testing has been mainly limited to those with concerning symptoms. You can see from this chart, which charts new cases per day, that we’ve achieved a sustained containment of the disease. Only 108 new cases were recorded yesterday.
Our shutdown began during the second week of March. Over the course of a few days, large events were cancelled, then any gathering of over 100 people. The government asked people to work from home if at all possible. Schools, restaurants, sports and contact businesses (like hair salons) were also closed. This happened virtually at the same time as schools were closed in America.
These measures were shocking for sure, but they were not met with resistance or outrage. I don't believe there have been many (any?) protests regarding the shutdown. Working toward the community good is a strong value in this culture. People said, “Of course, we cannot let the disease spread so quickly that we cannot provide proper medical treatment.”
“Alleen samen krijgen we corona onder controle” - The government’s appeal that we must work together to meet this challenge.
It helps (a lot!) that people have job security even during a shutdown. Already-existing legislation protects workers and businesses during hard times with government subsidies. The government also immediately stepped up to provide a minimum income to all self-employed effected by coronavirus. That was impressive. Thus, our unemployment rate was 2.9% in February and is now 3.4%.
used with permission, via Unsplash
In The Netherlands there was minimal panic buying. Brandon usually grocery shops every other day. Only once did he notice that there was less on the shelves, and we’ve never bothered stocking up on toilet paper. “Stocking up” doesn’t seem to be very common overall in The Netherlands. Most people have a small refrigerator and pantry. Some, like us, don’t even have a freezer.
When the first wave of shutdown was announced and some panic buying was noticed, the prime minister asked to the nation to stop the behavior. That seemed to do the trick.
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When the shutdown started, we were just getting a cold in our family. It hit all five of us at nearly the same time. None of us recorded a fever or had concerning symptoms, though Brandon could tell his breathing was mildly effected. During this time we spoke to our family doctor several times on the phone. It was determined that we should stay home and not be tested, since our symptoms were mild and testing was limited at the time. We did stay home for a solid two weeks. We were able to order groceries delivered, and, when we needed the right kind of pain reliever, the pharmacist delivered that too, without charging a fee.
Once we were definitely better, Elora was able to go outside again and play in the park at the center of our cul-de-sac. Walking, biking, rollerskating - we have found ways to get our exercise and fresh air, while maintaining social distance. As per the guidelines, adults maintain distance of 1.5 meters, about 5 feet. Thankfully, children 12 and under are not expected to social distance. The government believes that outdoor play and social interaction should not be limited for the health of the little ones.
Yes, seriously, the kids are encouraged to play freely. This obviously sparks some questions!
In The Netherlands the “rules” are usually announced in a formal and official way. A date is set in advance, so everyone knows when to expect an announcement. The speaker says his or her part and then a Q + A period follows. Many of the questions are about how to follow the rules properly. As in, “Am I allowed to have guests over?" How many? Should we maintain distance inside the house, when guests come?” Etc.
My take is that the Dutch are really keen on following the rules. I have honestly been astounded at how closely people adhere to the rules, even if they don't agree with them. It’s not usually out of fear of getting caught (though there are large fines for people caught breaking distancing), but rather a deep community value for the rule of law.
The government’s stance on kids being able to play outside goes hand in hand with their choice to reopen schools. On May 11th, preschools and primary schools reopened across the country. Some measures are in place to curb the spread of disease, like frequent hand washing, social-distanced drop-off and smaller class sizes. This is the entry of Elora’s preschool on her first day back to school.
Why this approach? The Dutch health experts believe that children do not contract or spread the virus easily. Also, I think the country feels a strong responsibility to get kids back in school for the welfare of all involved. They’re not alone, as several Northern European countries have also reopened schools.
At this point there has been a shift in The Netherlands from “stay home” to “stay home if you have symptoms”. It is clear that more people are out and about, as compared to one month ago. The government shared a plan for a phased reopening throughout the summer. We’re looking forward to secondary schools reopening June 1 (July 4 is the last day of school for the year) and especially to restaurants also reopening then. In June and July fun things like theme parks, campgrounds, museums, etc. will also open, so the Dutch can think about making vacation plans within the country.
used with permission, via Unsplash
Of course we’re crossing our fingers that all of this opening goes smoothly. I have hopes that it will, because people are disciplined about maintaining distance. Outdoor markets, public parks, lakes, etc all have reopened by now. People keep to their family groups and interact carefully when they must in order to maximize distance. It’s not fun or friendly, but it seems to be working to suppress the spread of the disease.
used with permission, via Unsplash
Wondering about face masks? The Dutch government has expressed doubt in their effectivity. Maybe 20% of people are already wearing them in public anyways, but it hasn’t been encouraged. As of June 1, face masks will be required to use public transportation in The Netherlands. I haven’t made any yet, but that’s definitely on my to do list.
Curious for more facts? See this Wikipedia article for more details about the covid-19 pandemic in The Netherlands.
So here’s the big picture - the shutdown is a calm and orderly environment in The Netherlands. People mostly understand what is happening and why. There is a heartfelt feeling of being in this together, which helps smooth over the uncertainty. And, you know what, I think things are going to be okay.
Gosh, I’m thankful to be here.
