COVID-19 situation & measures + information on vaccination

The COVID-19 crisis is not yet over. The virus is unpredictable, and new variants continue to emerge. We recently saw an upsurge in the number of infections in The Netherlands. Although this increase is not yet affecting our ability to protect vulnerable people and the level of pressure on the healthcare sector, the government is concerned about these developments. Luckily in recent days the number of detected infections has significantly dropped again. Hopefully we will continue to see this rapid decrease of confirmed COVID-19 cases.

The government will decide on the basis of the epidemiological situation how and when the final step of the reopening plan can be taken. This will involve lifting the 1.5 meter rule and the other basic rules. As yet, no date has been determined for this step.

On 13 August there will be a press conference by the Dutch government in which we will hear what COVID-19 measures will be kept in place and for how long.

The four basic rules that at the moment apply to everybody in The Netherlands are:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly and regularly
2. Stay 1.5 meters away from other people
3. If you have symptoms, stay home and get tested as soon as possible
4. Ensure a good flow of fresh air

More information about the basic rules can be found on the website of the Dutch government.

An overview of the current restrictions in place in The Netherlands, as well as which places are allowed to be fully open, can be found on the Corona Dashboard of the Dutch government.

Please note that the Dutch universities are together striving to be allowed to re-open 'as normal' as of 1 September. We hope to give you more information about what the start of the study year will look like in the next and final students newsletter which will be sent mid August.

Dutch vaccination programma

Looking for more information about the Dutch vaccination programme? Please visit the official government website or the GGD Fryslan website. Also, please check our information on Health Services. Vaccination is always voluntary.

Second vaccination

Have you already received your first shot of an EU-authorized vaccine, and do you want to receive your second shot in the Netherlands? Then you can make an appointment for your second vaccination via this form on the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) website.

Was your first shot of a vaccine that has not been authorized by the EU yet, such as the Sputnik V vaccine, and do you want to receive your second vaccination in the Netherlands? Please contact your local Municipal Health Service (GGD) for advice. For Leeuwarden this is GGD Fryslan: 088 22 99 222. In case you call from abroad, then call the national information line on +31 20 205 1351.

First vaccination

Have you not yet received your first vaccination shot? There is a project being put in place to help students get their first vaccination as soon as possible after their arrival in the Netherlands. We will send you an update when more information becomes available.

Finally, please keep checking our website rug.nl/corona for general information and updates.