The Netherlands extends lockdown, continues the ban on nightlife

The Netherlands has entered a strict lockdown for Christmas due to concerns over the spread of the Omicron COVID-19 variant.

This means that the partial 3-week lockdown that the country entered in November has been extended and nightclubs must remain closed.

Non-essential shops, hairdressers, gyms, bars, and other public venues are now also closed.

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Schools are also closed until at least January 9, while other lockdown measures will remain in place until at least January 14.

The new restrictions came into place Sunday 19 December including the rule that only two guests will be allowed per household with four guests for over the Christmas period of 24-26 December and on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

According to the BBC, Prime Minister, Mark Rutte said that these measures were “unavoidable”.

Rutte broke the news in a conference on Saturday and said: "I stand here tonight in a sombre mood. And a lot of people watching will feel that way too," and added: To sum it up in one sentence, the Netherlands will go back into lockdown from tomorrow."

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Earlier that day, people rushed into shops to do their Christmas shopping with reports that new measures were about to be introduced.

People living in the Netherlands are being urged to stay at home as events are not permitted other than funerals, weekly markets selling groceries and professional sports matches with no spectators.

[Via: BBC]

Becky Buckle is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow her on Twitter