iPhone | iPad
Android
Huawei
Over 178.6 million PCR tests have been conducted in the country so far
KT APPDOWNLOAD
Covid-19: Netherlands set to announce ‘strict’ Christmas lockdown
Everything but essential stores could close, Dutch media reported
Reuters file
The Dutch government is expected to announce on Saturday a “strict” Christmas lockdown that would see everything but essential stores close amid fears over the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant, Dutch media reported.
The government is meeting on Saturday with its health experts who have recommended the closure of all non-essential shops, schools, bars, restaurants and other public venues.
National broadcaster NOS and news agency ANP cited government sources saying a press conference announcing the new measures, which would come just days after a partial lockdown was extended, would be held at 7pm.
Health ministry spokesperson Axel Dees declined to comment on any proposed measures or the timing of any press conference.
On Tuesday, the government ordered that the 5pm to 5am closure of bars, restaurants and most stores, introduced in late November, would continue until January 14.
Prime Mininster Mark Rutte said then that Omicron could be the dominant coronavirus variant in the Netherlands by January.
ALSO READ:
The most recent figures from the National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) published on Tuesday showed 105 people infected with the variant, but experts say the actual figure is likely much higher.
On Friday the institute reported 15,433 new Covid-19 cases, down around 25 per cent from a week earlier - but still above the peak of any previous wave.
The feared new wave of Omicron infections would further burden the country’s strained healthcare system which is already postponing most routine care and cancelling all but urgent operations in order to cope with Covid-19 patients.
More news from coronavirus
It will last for four weeks if 10 or more passengers test positive
Over 178.4 million PCR tests have been conducted in the country so far
Omicron variant is highly contagious and can even infect vaccinated/infected people, say experts
Doctors explain how some people can come into contact with a positive case without getting the virus themselves
Globally, cases decreased by nine per cent between July 25 and 31, as compared to the previous week
Over 178.2 million PCR tests have been conducted in the country so far
Total active cases stand at 18,841