"Wash hands regularly and avoid large crowds"

WILLEMSTAD - Do you have a cold? Do you have a sore throat? Do you have a fever? Stay at home. Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath made the appeal to the community during a press conference this morning in Fort Amsterdam.

He emphasizes that the government is following closely the measures taken today in the Netherlands in the fight against the coronavirus. But, "There is no need to panic."

He calls on the entire population to be sensible. Wash hands regularly and avoid large crowds. Checks are held at the airport and cruise terminal. "This will be scaled up where necessary," the prime minister emphasizes. The schools will remain open for the time being.

Tomorrow, he and responsible minister Suzanne Camelia-Römer will meet with all stakeholders, including from healthcare and private sector. Following that consultation, a new package of measures will be decided.