The Dutch government has announced that it will be scrapping all of the remaining coronavirus measures currently in place, including the self-test requirement and quarantine measures.

Health Minister Ernst Kuipers made the announcement after a Friday cabinet meeting, stating that coronavirus will now be treated as any other infection of the airways. The decision comes after it was recommended by the government’s Outbreak Management Team earlier this month.

According to Kuipers, "almost everyone" in the Netherlands has built up some level of resistance to the infection, and coronavirus is now less serious than it was. However, he stressed that the virus is still present and urged the public to remain vigilant. "By ending the last of the coronavirus measures, we are leaving behind an extraordinary period, and one which we will not forget quickly," Kuipers said. "And we must not forget it, because coronavirus is still with us and will remain with us."

The first coronavirus case in the Netherlands was identified just over three years ago, and since then, an estimated 8.6 million people have caught the virus, with over 47,000 people losing their lives. In addition, one in eight people are reporting long-lasting health complaints, and tens of thousands are suffering from Long Covid.

Despite the government's decision, hospitalisations have been rising again, particularly in the south, where Carnaval was celebrated two weeks ago. On Friday, 884 people were being treated in hospital with coronavirus, with 31 in intensive care. The public health institute RIVM has warned that even though the level of circulation has gone down, there are still groups of vulnerable people who have a higher risk of serious illness.

Some patients' groups have reacted to the news that the last measures are disappearing with disappointment, saying the government's decision is a slap in the face to everyone with serious health issues. Lung charity Longfonds has urged the public to show solidarity and take each other's needs into account. "We would ask everyone to take those with vulnerable health into account and understand that they might not want to shake hands or would prefer to keep their distance," the charity said.

The RIVM has said that it will continue to monitor the virus closely, using sewage, hospital admissions, and other sources, even though it is now at an endemic stage. "Effective surveillance remains important to maintain early detection of resurgences, new variants, and changes in protection against severe illness due to COVID-19," the agency said.

The decision to scrap the remaining coronavirus measures has been met with mixed reactions. While some see it as a sign of progress and a return to normalcy, others are concerned that it is too soon and could lead to a resurgence of the virus. Only time will tell whether the government's decision was the right one, but for now, it is up to the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to stay safe.