WILLEMSTAD - One of the measures that were announced yesterday that will hit hard is social isolation, or "social distancing". Immediately all public, social, cultural, sports and religious activities will be canceled until further notice.

Activities for which a permit has already been issued will also be canceled. "It hurts, we know, but we have to take these measures and keep our distance to avoid infecting even one other person. Think of how many lives we save; it is for our own protection,” said Prime Minister Eugene Rhuggenaath.

An exception has been made for funerals; it is allowed that a small group of up to ten people can be in the same room at the same time. But also, on this, Minister of Health Suzanne Camelia-Römer said in a warning: “Do not stand close to one another as we are used to at a funeral and do not shake hands. Keep your distance and salute with a bow.”