Netherlands tightens partial lockdown as Covid infection rates surge
The Netherlands has introduced tougher restrictions amid surging Covid-19 cases.
Under the new rules, hospitality and cultural venues such as cafes, museums and cinemas must close by 5pm for at least the next three weeks.
Covid-19 infections continue to skyrocket in the Netherlands, with 22,257 new infections reported on average each day.
Dutch health authorities are now conducting tests to see whether the Omicron variant is present in those infected.
Omicron has been designated a variant of concern by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Early evidence suggests that the new strain could be more contagious than other variants and more resistant to vaccines.
There have been more than 2.5 million infections and over 19,000 coronavirus-related deaths in the country since the pandemic began.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced a three-week partial lockdown earlier this month.
As part of the restrictions, non-essential shops must shut for twelve hours between 5pm and 5am local time. A maximum of four guests aged over 13 are allowed to visit someone at their house and work from home orders are in place.
The Netherlands is not alone in taking measures to rein in soaring coronavirus infections.
Austria returned to a full lockdown and became the first European country to make Covid vaccination a legal requirement.
Authorities have ordered residents to stay home for all but essential reasons.
Restaurants, bars, hairdressers, theatres and non-essential shops must all close their doors.
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