New Year’s Resolution In A Lockdown

The world changed in the blink of an eye and we had to adjust to the new normal. This year has been similar to a rollercoaster ride that does not seem to end. As students, we have transitioned from Polak to Zoom, same country to different continents and physical contact to a virtual reality. However, in the Netherlands Covid-19 cases have been increasing, to which the government has responded to with a hard lockdown.

What effects do the new measures have?

The lockdown has introduced stricter measures such as reduction in visitors, closure of non-essential services, changes in travel restrictions, closure of educational facilities etc. This implies smaller gatherings, limited travel and limited/no access to services such as barbers, gyms, libraries, etc. Furthermore, considering we are in the festive season, the new lockdown measures impose restraints on Christmas celebrations. For a season usually filled with large gatherings of family and friends, the lockdown despite its necessity, could not come at a worse time.

What is the projection for 2021?

At last New Year’s Eve, there was worldwide celebration and excitement for the opportunities and experiences the new year will bring. This New Year’s Eve, there is a lot of apprehension and concern for how the Covid-19 situation would develop. In spite of that, the new year brings hope regarding the area of a potential vaccine. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has received approval for the application of two vaccines: the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. Consequently, the Netherlands will start vaccinations in early January given to people based on a priority list. Depending on the effectiveness of the vaccinations, there are possible improvements on the situation the next year.

What are the lessons from 2020?

This year has reminded us of the unpredictable nature of life and to embrace change. In addition, it has emphasized the importance of shared experiences as everyone has been able to get through this year together. For students, this year has brought a lot of challenges but with that came personal development. To conclude, this year has been full of twists and turns, which have impacted us as students in different ways by changing our learning experience, relationships and characters. We have had to constantly adapt to a changing situation, but we have done it together. As we look forward to the new year, despite the situations that arise, we can count on each other.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Coronavirus continues upward march in NL, positive test rate also rises. (2020, December 22). Retrieved December 22, 2020, from https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2020/12/coronavirus-continues-upward-march-in-nl-positive-test-rate-also-rises/

Ministerie van Algemene Zaken. (2020, December 14). A vaccine against COVID-19. Retrieved December 20, 2020, from https://www.government.nl/topics/coronavirus-covid-19/dutch-vaccination-programme

Monday. (2020, December 14). Netherlands in for a hard lockdown; Almost everything closed till January 19: Report. Retrieved December 20, 2020, from https://nltimes.nl/2020/12/14/netherlands-hard-lockdown-almost-everything-closed-til-january-19-report

Wedia. (2020, December 02). Dutch government hopes to start coronavirus vaccinations in January. Retrieved December 20, 2020, from https://www.iamexpat.nl/expat-info/dutch-expat-news/dutch-government-hopes-start-coronavirus-vaccinations-january