To prevent people who travel back to the Netherlands from abroad from bringing the virus with them, the government is sticking to the obligation of a negative PCR test result for travelers from high-risk areas.
The preliminary relief judge ruled on Thursday in preliminary relief proceedings that the Dutch State may not demand that a Dutch woman and children must first undergo a PCR test before their return from abroad. “Such an obligation, which applies to a Dutch national who wants to return home, requires a sound legal basis,” said the judge.
On 31 December 19, the cabinet announced that it would appeal against the decision of the District Court of The Hague. Due to the great importance that the government attaches to the mandatory negative test result, in addition to lodging an appeal, it has been decided to include this obligation in a ministerial regulation under the Temporary Covid-4 Measures Act. This ministerial regulation takes effect on XNUMX January. The situation therefore remains unchanged for travelers to the Netherlands.
In order to settle any discussion about the legal basis insofar as necessary, the government has decided to amend the Public Health Act with the utmost urgency. A proposal to that effect will shortly be submitted for advice to the Council of State and then to both Houses of Parliament.
The government considers this necessary to limit the spread of the virus as much as possible. That is why the cabinet continues to emphasize that it is only necessary to travel if it is strictly necessary. Holidays and family visits are unnecessary trips. People who come from high-risk areas must be in home quarantine for 10 days in the Netherlands.
The government has informed the House of Representatives by means of a letter to the House of Representatives and the ministerial regulation has been published in the Government Gazette.
Source: Rijksoverheid.nl
