News of March 18, The Netherlands

The Eurovision Song Contest has been cancelled.

The borders of The Netherlands will be closed for non-essential traffic. Exceptions: people from EU-memberstates, Schengencountries and UK. Also key workers, like careworkers and transport.
About 200.000 people are still abroad. They need to find their own solution, because it concerns too many people.

In parliament loud and difficult discussions took place, with the opposition uttering complaint upon complaint, often based on personal fear and lack of knowledge.
Herd immunisation was one of the main issues,with the opposition blaming the government of exposing people to a deadly virus, forgetting that schools, restaurants and all bodily targetted establishments are closed, and people with the slightest symptom of a cold or worse need to stay at home and the elderly and thosewith underlying diseases have confined themselvesto their homes.
Over and over Wilders stood blaming and yelling even though a general briefing of members of parliament had taken place right before the debates started.

Minister Bruins of Medical Care had a dizzy spell, almost falling down. He was unwell enough to leave for home, blaming his own extreme tiredness.

Apart from the extreme opposition parties the goverment was supported in their decisions.

• Careworkerswillreceive a bonus.
• Most parties agreed that ordering a complete lock down is not necessary at this moment as most people take their responsibility.
• Most people work at home, public transport is almost empty, schools are organising homescholing.
• The basic schools won't test the children. Advice from the teachers is enough, as choices for secondary schools have been made already.
• Students in the final year of secondary school will learn at home. Exams haven't been cancelled.
• Businesses and freelancers will get support, but it'll take time.
• The guideline not to gether with more than 100 people will be extended.
• More severe measures might come.
• The call for a total lock down won't be granted, as that means 2 years at least, untill a vaccination is available.
• 44.000 masks have arrived and a few millions will arrive soon.
• As some people are still hoarding: We have enough!!
• Shops will be asked for a senior hour.

Between 19.00 and 19.15 churchbells were sounding for hope and comfort and as a thank you.

The same will happen the next two wednesdays.