The Netherlands have lifted on Wednesday, January 26, a part of its strict rules that were imposed in December to avoid a surge of new Covid-19 infections. The restrictions have been eased and the number of daily cases has continued to increase, British public broadcaster the BBC reports.
In the EU member state, hospitality businesses, bars restaurants and museums have been closed since December 18. During this period, public support for the strict measures has decreased gradually and large demonstrations against the rules have become more frequent in the capital, Amsterdam. With the rules in place, Covid-19 cases have continued to increase, with some 60,000 recorded per day as the end of January nears.
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Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte warned at a news conference earlier this week that the country was «taking a risk» in lifting some of the restrictions and introducing new ones after a decrease of Covid-19-related deaths and admissions to intensive care. According to the head of government, the new rules will be effective until March 8.
In the densely populated country, cafes, bars and restaurants will be allowed to work until 10pm, while a negative test result, proof of Covid-19 vaccination or recent recovery from the disease will be required to enter the businesses. Dutch nightclubs will not be allowed to open and the audience at sports and cultural events will not be allowed to exceed 1,250 people, the BBC reports.
Netherlands to change strict Covid-19 rules at 60 000 daily infections
