The Dutch city of Venlo anticipates a rush of German shopping tourists for the Ascension Day and has called for discipline because of Corona.
It was still too early for a fun family outing. Visitors should come on their own, make targeted purchases, and definitely keep their distance, a spokesman for the city said on Wednesday.
"So shop very systematically and only come ALONE", said a call from the city. The Dutch border town of Roermond has also announced stronger controls for Thursday and once again pointed out the applicable rules.
Fines are imminent
Groups that do not belong to a family and are on the road without any distance face a fine of 390 euros per person, according to Venlo. If it gets too crowded despite the appeal, the city will close parking lots and multi-storey car parks or even block off access roads, said spokesman Robert Bouten: "If necessary, roads can be closed temporarily so that no new visitors can enter."
Venlo and Roermond: shops open on public holidays
Roermond is also considering this step if necessary, as spokesman Remco Hochstraten said. But the city doesn't expect it to get too crowded.
On Sundays and on Christ Ascension shops in the Netherlands are open. According to Venlo, the Ascension Day is one of the peak days on which many Germans shop in Venlo.
Shopping without a mask in Venlo
Venlo is reacting with his measures to experiences last Sunday: Many Germans obviously came because they could shop in the Netherlands without a protective mask, said spokesman Bouten. The important rule in the Netherlands against the spread of the coronavirus is the distance of one and a half meters. The city was too crowded last Sunday.
In both cities, visitors should walk as far as possible on the right in the shopping streets, preferably pay by card or cell phone, and stay at home if they catch a cold. German visitors should not think that they are in false security just because they do not have to wear a mask across the border: "You have to understand that Corona is here too," said Bouten.