Expats In The Netherlands In Favour Of Government Coronavirus Rulings

Most expats in the Netherlands remain positive over the government’s reaction to coronavirus.

The results of a Dutch media-led survey show some 70 per cent of expats in the Netherlands are largely in favour of the government’s measures against the coronavirus pandemic. Even so, a good number of respondents found certain aspects of its response could well be called into question, including the all-important approach to testing and the wearing of masks.

Over half of expat professionals who took part in the survey gave the government a rating of 80 per cent as regards its reaction to the emergency, with just seven per cent stating they had no confidence at all. Expatriates from various countries worldwide were asked to compare the Dutch government’s actions to those being used by their home country, with three-quarters stating their own governments’ efforts were better than those in use in the Netherlands. The same percentage were in agreement with the use of compulsory mask usage on public transport and in stores, whilst half of respondents said masks should be compulsory in all public spaces.

International travel rules brought a mixed reaction, with just under a fifth stating borders should be opened to non-essential travel and 40 per cent saying they should remain closed. On the financial issue, one quarter of respondents admitted to being very concerned, whilst just 14 per cent said they weren’t at all worried. Over half of those surveyed are supporting local food businesses now providing take-out meals, with just under one quarter saying they’d donated to charity. However, only a third had checked on vulnerable neighbours, whilst half were in favour of the government’s coronavirus spread tracking app for mobile phones.