Return to the Netherlands from partial control

To prevent a recent outbreak of pollution, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced at a press conference in The Hague on Friday that a series of health restrictions would return: “The big blow in a few weeks is because the virus is everywhere, all over. The country, in all areas and at all ages, ”he promised.

Under the new measures, which take effect Saturday night, it will run for at least three weeks, with essential shops such as bars, restaurants and supermarkets closing at 8pm and non-essential stores at 6pm. In addition, Dutch citizens are asked not to house more than four people in their homes and not to do telework, “if this is not really possible,” said Mark Rutte.

As for public performances, they will be eliminated and football matches will be played behind closed doors, including next week’s World Cup qualifier between the Netherlands and Norway. However, schools are open and outdoor outings are permitted.

On Thursday, the country recorded 16,364 new cases in the last 24 hours, the highest since December 2020. Although 82% of the population has been fully vaccinated, hospitals have already warned that they will not be able to spend the winter under the current conditions. .