Rutte: In a strict lockdown from Sunday the Netherlands

The Netherlands will enter a severe lockdown from Sunday morning to address the risk of a new jump in COVID-19 cases due to the micron mutation, said the country’s Prime Minister Mark Rutte in a press conference, as reported by Reuters.

The Dutch Prime Minister pointed out that the lockdown is inevitable due to the fifth wave of the micron mutation of the coronavirus. “The Netherlands will close again. This is inevitable because of the fifth wave that comes with the micron mutation,” he said.

As announced, the lockdown will remain in effect until at least January 14. Shops with non-essential goods and products, bars, restaurants and other public places will be closed from December 19. All schools will be closed from December 20 and will remain closed until January 9.

The government also urged Dutch households not to receive more than two guests during the holidays and for public gatherings to not exceed two people.

If we do not take action today, there will be an “unthinkable situation in our hospitals” which have limited their other activities to treat Covid-19 patients, Rutte warned.