Holland’s prime minister, Mark Rutte has announced new safety regulations for music venues and theaters, declaring that nightclubs—which were expected to open on September 1—will remain closed until a COVID-19 vaccine is readily available. As such, there is no expected re-opening date for The Netherlands’ nightlife circuit.
The new restrictions, announced by Rutte in a press conference on Tuesday, October 13, also include a ban on outdoor events, as well as public consumption of alcohol. Music venues hosting performances must limit attendance to no more than 30 people. Currently there is also a standard social distancing rule as well as a limit set on groups of attendees, allowing no more than four concertgoers together at once.
“If there is a vaccine, we can get rid of the measures, but that is a dot on the horizon,” said Rutte.
However, on the brighter side, according to NL Times Health Minister Hugo de Jonge complemented Rutte’s statement by saying that the research into a vaccine is progressing, and that the Netherlands could receive the first batch of vaccinations in early 2021.
In another European tourism and nightlife hotspot, government officials in Ibiza are preparing for a rapid response testing system that will allow the White Isle to open back up to clubbers next summer.
H/T: NL Times
