Netherlands to close schools, restaurants in coronavirus fight

The Netherlands will close all schools, cafes, restaurants and sports clubs nationwide, the government decided on Sunday, in its most far-reaching moves yet to curb the coronavirus epidemic.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte's Cabinet had initially resisted closing schools but changed course after coming under pressure from educators and medical specialists. National broadcaster NOS said the measure would take effect on Monday. Details were due to be announced at a government press conference on Sunday.

Rutte was scheduled to address the nation on Monday evening to explain the unprecedented measures. The number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the Netherlands rose by 176 to 1,135 on Sunday, with 20 deaths, the Dutch National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) said.