WILLEMSTAD - Minister of Justice Quincy Girigorie said today during the daily briefing that in total, since the first measures were introduced on March 18, the police have stopped approximately 16,000 drivers. 14,000 of them had the right to be on the street and were able to continue their way. 2,000 were out on the street for no reason, which is about 12.5%, and most of them were sent back home. Some needed stricter measures, and the police officers issued just over 100 fines and 70 people were arrested.

The minister indicated that even as the government is slowly easing the measures, everyone still needs to follow applicable rules. Police checks will continue in the endeavors to minimize the risk of a COVID-19 outbreak. The minister reminded everyone of the fines:

* No social distance of 2 meters: 500 guilders pp

* On the street without a valid reason: 750 guilders pp

* Organization of events (parties, domino etc.): 2,000 Gulden

Girigorie says he noticed that unfortunately there is still a group that does not cooperate and that seems to be getting worse in the last days. Of the 70 arrests since March 18, 20 took place yesterday or the day before because they did not obey the rules and did not comply with police instructions. “Because it is so important to protect our health that we must obey the rules, the police will step up checks and will impose fines or arrest. We do not want to have to escalate again, forcing the majority to pay for the problems caused by a small group, which is why the police will take tough action,” said the minister.