A “hard” lockdown for the entire population was announced by the Netherlands on Friday morning, following fears of the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.
According to telegraaf.nl, the measure will apply from 5am on Sunday (19/12) until at least 14 January, when the country's epidemiological situation will be re-examined.
As reported during the press conference on Saturday afternoon (18/12), attended by Dutch Prime Minister Rutte and Health Minister De Jonge, almost everything will be closed for the Christmas and New Year period, with the exception of shops and emergency services. This means a meagre Christmas, with no visits to restaurants, cafés, casinos, museums, fashion stores, cinemas or even hairdressers. Also, secondary schools and higher education close a week early.
“The urgent advice is to have only two visitors a day in the house, over the age of 13. An exception is made on the two days of Christmas 25 and 26 December when up to four visitors will be allowed,” he was quoted as saying at the press conference.
It is worth noting that supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies and banks may continue to operate in the coming weeks, while it is also possible to collect from restaurants and cafes.
