Amid concerns of the new variant, a strict lockdown has been imposed over Christmas in Netherlands. Most of the countries across Europe have been tightening restrictions due to a massive surge in the cases since the past few weeks.
The new restrictions are as listed below:
- Non essential shops, bars, gyms, hairdressers and other public venues will be closed until Mid January.
- Two guests per household allowed four over the holidays.
- Strict rules on meeting each other, a maximum of two guests over 13 are allowed in people’s home and four on 24-26th
- Events other than funerals are not permitted.
- Weekly market selling groceries
- Professional sports matches are allowed with no spectators.
- Restaurants can continue to sell takeaway food.
- Non essential shops can offer online services.
- Schools are closed till 9th January
- Lockdown measures are in place till 14th
These have been the strictest restrictions so far. Speaking about the new restrictions, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that “I can hear the whole of New Zealand sighing. This is exactly one week before Christmas, another Christmas that is completely different from what we would like”
Presently Omicron variant accounts for minority of cases, but it is expected to dominate in mid January, considering the rate at which it’s spreading.
More than 85% population of Netherlands has been vaccinated.
