Letter from Mayor Tjapko Poppens September 29, 2020
Dear Amstelveners,
The number of coronavirus infections in Amstelveen and in the region has been rapidly increasing. We are also seeing more and more hospital admissions from people with COVID-19. Healthcare workers are deeply concerned about the rising influx of patients. They are anxious about the recurrence of the situation. We must do everything we can to prevent large numbers of people in our city, especially those who are older and more vulnerable, from becoming seriously ill or even losing their lives.
This is why the central government has announced additional measures, which will apply for at least the next three weeks. Indoor gatherings of more than 30 people are not allowed, cafés and restaurants are to close at 22.00. You are no longer allowed to receive more than three guests in your home. For our region, including Amstelveen, there is also an urgent recommendation to wear a face mask in shops cafés, restaurants, museums and government buildings. For a full overview of the measures, visit the page Amstelveen en het coronavirus (in Dutch). For more information, visit the page English information corona virus.
If these measures do not lead to a drop in the number of infections within a few weeks, a new lockdown is inevitable. We must make every effort to prevent a second lockdown, the social and economic consequences of the measures already taken are severe enough for the hospitality sector, for arts and culture, for sport clubs, for young people who want to get together without restrictions, and for the elderly that needs to be cautious with visitors and daily life. Luckily schools will be open but the measures we are taking now are a painful step backwards for all of us, but the spread of the virus leaves us no other choice.
Many of you are already following the basic rules. We notice that the hospitality sector, retail, sport clubs, cultural institutions and other organizations are implementing the corona measures. However, while this crisis continues, more and more people are finding it hard to stick to the basic rules. In particular, they find keeping distance from each other increasingly difficult. This is understandable, but it is the main cause of the growing number of infections. Our behavior determines whether we can push back the virus and prevent another lockdown. I therefore urge you to comply with the 1.5-metre rule and the hygiene guidelines. I also urge you to limit your social contact as much as possible.
We cannot close our eyes to the dangers of this virus. No one can decide that it has lasted long enough, and no one can say ‘it will not happen to me’. You too could be a victim of this horrific disease. Your cough or even a moment of carelessness could cost someone their life. At this stage, we cannot afford even the smallest mistake. Stay alert!
If we all work together we can overcome the second wave. Do it for our healthcare workers, for ourselves and for each other.
Thank you for you effort, understanding and patience.
Tjapko Poppens
Mayor city of Amstelveen