Letter from Mayor Tjapko Poppens 2 July 2020

Amstelveen, 2 July 2020

Dear Amstelveen Citizens,

As society is 'reopening' step by step, our city is coming back to life. You will notice this in the Stadshart, on the sports fields, on the terraces and on the water. Everything happens at an appropriate distance and with the required hygiene measures. Together we have succeeded in reducing the coronavirus, which is why a number of restrictions have been lifted from 1 July. For example, there is no longer a maximum number of visitors to cafes, restaurants, cinemas and theatres. The same applies to weddings, church services and funerals. However, all this is only possible if we keep a distance of 1.5 metres, make reservations in advance and stay at home if we have health problems.

Let's enjoy all the things we can do again, but remember the virus is still among us. New infections are still emerging. That is why we have to be careful: avoid crowded areas, keep 1.5 metres’ distance, give each other space and tell each other when this does not happen. The responsibility to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is increasingly more in our own hands. Companies, schools, restaurants, associations, residents: we all have to do our part. Over the past period we have learnt different ways to interact with each other in the public space and this generally passes off well.

The summer holidays start next week. This summer, many people will stay at home and the good thing is there is plenty to do in Amstelveen. Take a look at the new website Visit Amstelveen (Dutch). On this website, you will find a surprising and versatile range of activities, from restaurant to bowling alley, from museum to play farm. The website includes an events calendar, on which you can find all the activities for each day. Visit Amstelveen is a source of inspiration to (re)discover our beautiful city.

For many of you, these have not been and are not easy times. And we are not there yet, even if we carefully look ahead. What surprises me all the time is the huge resilience in our society. I hope that the upcoming period will be about recovery: of health, opportunities and confidence in the future.
It will be a good idea to take a moment to give these difficult times a moment’s thought. We will do this in Amstelveen with a 'Heart of Sympathy'. From 7 to 24 July, the Heart will be displayed in the Stadstuinen pond as a token of sympathy for all those who have recently lost a loved one. Residents can deposit flowers at the Heart in memory of a loved one. The Heart is a recognisable symbol in the corona crisis. The heart for care, heartening others, having a heart for each other and now a heart of sympathy.

I wish everyone a beautiful summer, together, in our marvellous city, and in good health.

Tjapko Poppens
Mayor of Amstelveen

The new rules are listed on the page Changes to measures as of 1 July 2020.