The Netherlands announced few weeks ago a temporarily halt on the Corona measures, starting from Friday 25th of February 2022. I can think of several reasons why the Dutch government made this decision, apart from the obvious: people getting fed up, increased depressions, suicides and collapsed businesses under this emergency law. The other reasons might be: the ongoing unsuccessful booster campaign. Fewer Corona patients than predicted in hospitals. Vaccinated people with 1, 2 or 3 jabs with virus symptoms and bad side effects from the vaccine. Not to forget, the winter season is almost over. Countries like Sweden, UK, Ireland and Denmark have already dropped the Corona measures. There are many links between these (old) measures and premeditated upcoming systems; like the social credit system, European digital ID and smart cities, that are being exposed. Then there is Russia and Ukraine being at the verge of world war III. Next to the Dutch elections coming up. It all seems to come together. Shifting focus of the Corona narrative to something different, maybe more tough and undemocratic, but certainly not better.
As of today, in the Netherlands, there is no mandatory face masks, except in public transport. No 1.5 meter distance. No QR code entry required for visitors with a capacity of 500 people. Can we say that this psychological war is over? Shall we triumph now?
Before I answer, lets go back to the beginning, how people could easily be conditioned to act or choose something out of fear, desire or popularity. They even shared ‘proud’ selfies online of their masked faces and fresh vaccine shots. So ridiculous, if you ask me. It’s complex! Yet interesting how the mind works during extreme situations. Life turned upside down. The only thing they said will make life normal again were the vaccine shots. The majority of the people responded: “I want to sit in MC Donald with my kids without testing every time.” “I have a lot of travel plans this year, I can’t be bothered with tests.” “I am doing it for humanity.” “My (vegan) wife supports it, so I will too.” “Everybody is taking it.” “I can’t do without going to the gym.” “There is no difference between this vaccine and the one taken as a child.” “It protects us from getting sick, hospitalized or death.” “I am doing it for the elderly and the vulnerable people.” “Sooner or later you have to do it, or you can’t do anything.” Legitimate reasons from people with different demographics, religious and cultural backgrounds. Each time one of these reasons echoes in my ears, I feel drained. Decisions based on only desires and fear with no consideration of the long-term effects it will have on human nature, -body and -rights. Is not solidarity, but very dangerous.
This is the perfect timing for the Dutch government to close the curtains on Corona. There are too many things at stake, as I mentioned. The attention is set on other current issues. While they feed the multitude non-stop with a half-eaten carrot of freedom to work behind closed doors, on matters we might no longer have our own power over. I wonder how long we will enjoy this type of freedom. What will be the next big thing to disrupt our rights for this year? I can’t see this revoke of measures as triumph, because it is not yet over. But, I will enjoy the extra space, while it last. At the same time, keep my eyes and mind open. Time shall write the rest of the story.
What are your thoughts about the (temporarily) removal of Corona restrictions in the Netherlands/countries? Or on what is going in in the world at the moment? Feel free to share this blog or your thoughts here.
Images from:
Ruben Juarez – Unsplash ( featured image)
Corona Vaccine Dashboard – https://coronadashboard.government.nl/landelijk/vaccinaties
Somewhere in Naarden, The Netherlands– Suka Photography
Selfie working in a public space without a QR code– Chi
NOTE: last edited date corrects or update layout, typos, images and grammar errors in this blog. The content is not changed!
Insightful!
Of course, there are reasons for the sudden relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions, though the reasons are currently not clear.
You’re right when you said, “Time shall write the rest of the story.”
Everyone ought to be at alert when dealing with the government and its maneuvers.
Thank you.
Thank you for your valuable comment, Ebube!
I am really trying not to let all this consume my thoughts by keeping busy.
Sometimes its just drives me crazy thinking about the kind of world we are living in.
How do you cope with this situation?
Thank you.
I give the situation a little thought, and I try not to worry over it.
I am able to do this by focusing on my purpose and skill acquisition. Remember, what we give our attention to occupies us the most.
Thank you once again. The writeup is insightful.
Thanks for the good advice to follow.
I really appreciate it. I will try harder to focus more on personal important matters.
Hahaha, so far along, I haven’t seen any indication the rampant news of Corona will be brought back by the media. But I still don’t trust it so I’m preparing myself to not be surprised if something comes up by the government tomorrow. Its indeed fickle. But I’m making the best out of the little freedom we finally have…I must say this is first time I am free of restrictions since I moved to the Netherlands. So I’m happy and do not want to think what comes afterwards because something must surely come.
Thank you for your valuable comment.
Maybe not Corona anymore, but it can be another virus or “threatening” situation they come with and want to enforce measures of any kind to the masses. I see this Corona pandemic as a huge experiment on mass compliance and how far they can go with implementations of drastic changes.
I am happy you can experience the real taste of the Netherlands now without any restrictions. At least you can really have the real experience and taste of the people. Like you said, making the best out of the little freedom is all we can do right now.
Just the other day I took a ride with the public bus. It was the first one since October 16th 2020 ( 1st End Sars protest at The Hague) that day I went with a face mask, but couldn’t breath well so ended putting it on my chin. I have been avoiding the public transport after that day. It feels so good to see faces again in public small spaces like the train, tram,bus and metro.
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