Christmas “will be difficult” as coronavirus cases jump, Rutte warns

Prime Minister Mark Rutte is urging the public to comply with the current restrictions if they want more freedom of movement by Christmas. 

This weekend saw coronavirus infections begin to rise once again in the Netherlands. Cases breached the 6,000 mark once again on Saturday. This comes less than a week after strict restrictions were relaxed.

While the government had hoped that numbers would be low enough to ease up on restrictions by December, Rutte warns that “with these figures, that will be difficult,” RTL Nieuws reports.

In the coming days

While the Prime Minister acknowledges that the current numbers are “not how you want it” at this time, the government will see how the next few days go before making any further decisions.

“It is not yet possible to determine exactly how bad it is. We will keep an eye on that in the coming days.”

Maybe Christmas and New Years

The question of what Christmas and New Years will look like for the Netherlands this year still remains. Rutte urges that people remain strong and comply with the restrictions.

He still holds out hope that numbers may be low enough for people to celebrate the holidays. “Maybe something can be done again in December, and then something again at Christmas and New Years.”

However, in order for this to happen, coronavirus numbers will have to start dropping again.

How do you feel about the latest increase? Do you believe Christmas and New Years will go ahead? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below! 

Feature Image: freestocks.org/Pexels

Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Sarah O'Leary 🇮🇪
Before becoming the Senior Editor of DutchReview, Sarah was a fresh-faced international looking to learn more about the Netherlands. Since moving here in 2017, Sarah has added a BA in English and Philosophy (Hons.), an MA in Literature (Hons.), and over three years of writing experience at DutchReview to her skillset. When Sarah isn't acting as a safety threat to herself and others (cycling), you can find her trying to sound witty while writing about some of the stickier topics such as mortgages and Dutch law.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Related posts

Latest posts

7 important things to check on your Dutch employment contract in 2025

✍️ Written by Seliz Demirci, employment lawyer at GMW lawyers. Receiving a job offer in the Netherlands is exciting, and it can be tempting to...

BREAKING: The Netherlands is about to fully ban fireworks — for good

We may be well into 2025, but the New Year’s fireworks debate is still blazing hot, with yet another Dutch party backing a full...

9 common financial mistakes expats in the Netherlands make (and how to avoid them)

Living in a foreign country is exciting, but amidst this emotion, many internationals make financial mistakes that could easily be avoided.  From using the wrong...

It's happening