Dutch government under fire for permanent coronavirus law proposal

THE HAGUE, the Netherlands

A government plan to turn temporary coronavirus-related legislation into permanent law in the Netherlands is drawing scathing criticism from Dutch authorities, local media reported on Monday.

The proposed new law will give the government far-reaching powers to impose blanket restrictions in case of a COVID-19 resurgence or other epidemics, including closing down public places, compulsory testing or quarantine, and making face masks mandatory, according to public broadcaster NOS.

Officials termed the move “unwise,” saying it has been put together hastily and without enough discussions.

Liesbeth Spies, the chairperson of the Association of Mayors, said the proposed law leaves it unclear that who exactly will be responsible during a health crisis, the report said, quoting her conversation with a local radio station.

“So you get two systems next to each other and that leads to ambiguity and you no longer know where you stand,” she said.

The government plans to present the draft for parliament approval at the end of the summer, according to the report.

THE HAGUE, the Netherlands

A government plan to turn temporary coronavirus-related legislation into permanent law in the Netherlands is drawing scathing criticism from Dutch authorities, local media reported on Monday.

Officials termed the move “unwise,” saying it has been put together hastily and without enough discussions.

“So you get two systems next to each other and that leads to ambiguity and you no longer know where you stand,” she said.

The government plans to present the draft for parliament approval at the end of the summer, according to the report.