Coronavirus: The Netherlands returns to a partial lockdown

LAST UPDATE: 22.42

The Netherlands will return to a partial lockdown from tomorrow, Saturday, after the government ordered restaurants and shops to close earlier and banned spectators from major sporting events, in a bid to curb a record increase in Covid-19 cases.

Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the health restrictions, which the Dutch thought would end well, would be re-imposed in three weeks.

Bars, restaurants and necessary shops, such as supermarkets should close at 20.00 local time, while unnecessary shops at 18.00.

In addition, Dutch citizens are being asked not to receive more than 4 people in their homes and to do telework, “unless this is not really possible”, added the Dutch Prime Minister, also saying that social distancing measures will be imposed again.

Public demonstrations will not be allowed and football matches will be held behind closed doors, including next week’s match between the Netherlands and Norway.

Schools will remain open and outings will be allowed.

“Tonight we are conveying a very unpleasant message with very unpleasant and extensive measures,” Rutte said in a televised address.

“The virus is everywhere and we have to fight it everywhere,” he added.

The Dutch government is also considering ways to restrict indoor access to unvaccinated citizens, a politically sensitive measure that will require parliamentary approval.

Protesters were protesting in The Hague at the time of the announcement of the health measures, which will take effect tomorrow night.

“Fortunately, the vast majority (of the population) have been vaccinated, if not the problems in the hospitals would be incalculable now,” Rutte said.

SOURCE: AMPE