Individual choice, necessity and, above all, responsibility were initially regarded to be the ultimate criteria for private decisions concerning mobility and social activity. In contrast to most other European countries where people were virtually housebound, the Dutch authorities relied primarily on a moral appeal to its citizens to stay at home as much as possible, observe five feet of social distance and wash their hands regularly and carefully. All public spaces, from parks to beaches, remained accessible, unless there was a specific threat of becoming overcrowded. No written authorisation was required for outings or travel, and the police’s overall approach was more pedagogical than repressive.