WILLEMSTAD - Perhaps there will be a more easing of the COVID-19 measures before May 17. Prime Minister Rhuggenaath made this announcement this morning saying that the government is currently in talks with gyms and the construction industry, among others.

Various sectors had hoped for more easing at the press conference last Monday. But Rhuggenaath then indicated that cautious downscaling still needs to be done and that the cabinet will look again on 17 May to see whether more is possible.

"If too many measures are eased at once, it could potentially lead to another wave of contagion," the prime minister reiterated this morning. During the press conference last Monday, Rhuggenaath already hinted at more easing for May 17.

He pointed out the situation in the hospital. According to Rhuggenaath, easing of the measures increase the chance of an surge in the number of corona patients in the hospital and especially in the intensive care unit. At the moment there are still 41 corona patients there, 25 of whom are in intensive care.