Coronavirus: Netherlands eyes partial lockdown, despite nearly 85 per cent vaccinated
- Netherlands reports a record daily number of new Covid-19 cases
- Hospitals under pressure, even with relatively high vaccination rate
The Netherlands will impose western Europe’s first partial lockdown since the summer this weekend, in a bid to stop a surge in Covid-19 cases, Dutch broadcaster NOS said on Friday.
Bars, restaurants and non-essential stores will be ordered to close at 7pm for at least three weeks starting Saturday, NOS said, citing government sources.
People will be urged to work from home as much as possible, and no audiences will be allowed at sporting events in the coming weeks. Schools, theatres and cinemas would remain open.
Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s cabinet was expected to make a final decision later on Friday, before announcing the new measures.
New coronavirus infections in the country of 17.5 million have increased rapidly after social distancing measures were dropped late September and hit a record of around 16,300 in 24 hours on Thursday.
The new wave of infections has put pressure on hospitals throughout the country, forcing them to scale back regular care again to treat Covid-19 patients.
