In the Netherlands, a tough lockdown has come into effect in view of the rapidly spreading omicron variant of the coronavirus. Many citizens reacted disappointed, but there were initially no major protests on Sunday.
Almost all shops, restaurants, cultural and sports facilities, schools and hairdressers have been closed since 5 a.m. Supermarkets and pharmacies are excluded.
Above all, entrepreneurs and innkeepers complained of a loss of income. They demanded compensation for the omission of the Christmas business. Trade unions spoke of “another heavy blow” for workers in the hospitality and retail sectors. Schools also expressed concern about the consequences for students.
Around 6.9 million Dutch people followed Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s announcement live on TV on Saturday evening. Some cities had prepared for unrest, but it did not materialize. A few weeks ago there had been violent riots in several cities.
Many citizens are disappointed that big celebrations at Christmas and New Year’s Eve are now not possible. Each household can only receive two guests. Up to four visitors are only allowed over Christmas and at the turn of the year. Even outdoors, a maximum of two people are allowed to come together.
The Prime Minister had justified the lockdown with the extremely rapid spread of the Omikron variant. According to calculations by the health authorities, up to 4,000 Covid patients would be in intensive care units at the beginning of February without drastic interventions. There are currently around 600 and the hospitals are already at the limit of their capacity.
An “evening lockdown” has already applied. Most shops, restaurants and cultural and sports facilities had to close at 5 p.m. (dpa)