Curfew

I walk through a deserted Maastricht. It seems as if a curfew has been announced.

Everything is wet and dark, not a dog on the street.

Well, except for my own dog.

Somewhere I smell a wood fire – someone nearby has just lit their fireplace.

In some houses there is a Christmas tree with beautiful lights on. The lucky ones who could still get a tree.

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It could easily be the beginning of a beautiful Christmas story.

But there is little reason for nice Christmas stories.

The Netherlands is in lockdown.

It makes sense that there is no dog on the street. We have to stay inside.

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After the prime minister's speech I think Adrem should also close. We are simply not a shop for essential items.

I quickly write a message for the website: 'We will be closing our branches'.

Still, I'm not entirely sure if we should close. If garages are allowed to get your car running again, we can also give you a car if your own car can't be started anymore.

As soon as the government website is accessible again, I will call you immediately.

The official I get on the line after a long wait doesn't really know either.

I have to think of that advertisement for gingerbread from a few years ago. There's a man standing naked in a red English telephone box. When his wife on the other end of the line asks where he is, he says: Yeah, I don't really know either...

I hope the official on the phone is wearing his clothes. You never know now that almost all of the Netherlands is working from home. In any case, he advises me to call BOVAG.

According to BOVAG, car rental falls under business services, and we can continue to rent out cars and buses. Even if you are a private individual.

We are only allowed to help 1 customer at a time.

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Normally I don't like people who act like they are our only customer.

But in this lockdown I am happy to make an exception.

reserve feel free to have one auto of van. Ask over the phone for a quiet time to pick up your car or bus.

Then pick up your car at one of our branches in Maastricht, Sittard or Heerlen.

Then we will act as if you are our only customer.

Don't tell anyone!

Soon you won't be alone anymore...