Dutch to impose social restrictions to curb COVID-19 surge

While many of its European neighbours imposed compulsory restrictions, the Dutch have largely stuck to recommended guidelines, including on mask wearing and travel. Among the most severe measures expected to be announced on Tuesday are the closure of cafes and restaurants and an evening ban on alcohol sales, national broadcaster NOS reported, citing government sources.

The Dutch government will announce a new round of social restrictions on Tuesday evening, including the possible closure of cafes and restaurants, as the Netherlands battles to control the coronavirus in one of Europe's major hotspots.

The number of cases in the country of 17 million has surged in recent weeks to a daily record of nearly 7,400 on Tuesday. It now has one of the highest per capita infection rates worldwide. Prime Minister Mark Rutte's government has been loath to re-impose tougher restrictions that could hurt a fragile economic recovery, but has come under pressure from health experts to take action to avoid overloading the healthcare system.

Rutte and Health Minister Hugo de Jonge, who have both warned that restrictions would follow if conditions did not improve, are scheduled to give a televised news conference at 1900 local time (1700GMT). While many of its European neighbours imposed compulsory restrictions, the Dutch have largely stuck to recommended guidelines, including on mask wearing and travel.

Among the most severe measures expected to be announced on Tuesday are the closure of cafes and restaurants and an evening ban on alcohol sales, national broadcaster NOS reported, citing government sources. Team sports for people aged over 18 will be halted, using public transport limited to essential travel only and home gatherings restricted to three people per household, the NOS report said.

The measures will be imposed for an initial period of two weeks, the NOS said.

(This story has not been edited by Devdiscourse staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)