Several cafes and bars in Amsterdam and Breda opened their doors for a time on Tuesday afternoon, in protest at the current lockdown measures. Cafes are currently closed, but many owners say there is little difference between sanctioning sit down outside spaces, which is banned, and queuing for takeaways – which is allowed.
Sex workers
Meanwhile, in The Hague, a group of sex workers were planning to protest about the government’s refusal to allow them to reopen on Tuesday afternoon. Hairdressers and masseurs can start work again from March 3, but sex work remains banned
Health minister Hugo de Jonge told reporters on Tuesday that he did not expect there to be any change in the situation soon. ‘It’s very sad, but it just can’t be done,’ De Jonge said, ahead of a cabinet meeting to discuss the latest situation.
Social affairs minister Wouter Koolmees also confirmed that there will be no more financial support for sex workers either. ‘We can do very little for them,’ he said. ‘They are in a very difficult position.’