Netherlands prepares to go into “hard lockdown” from midnight: almost everything will close

The cabinet is planning to enforce a strict lockdown in the Netherlands. The lockdown is expected to last until January 19 and will involve the closure of almost everything.

The news comes from sources in The Hague who told the NOS the lockdown will close all non-essential shops, hairdressers, museums, theatres and schools.

Closure at midnight

In order to prevent a rush to the shops, the new measures will come into effect tonight at midnight. Non-healthcare contact professions such as hairdressers will also be asked to discontinue service after this time.

Schools will be expected to close their doors on Wednesday and people will be asked to stay at home as much as possible. This will also be expected during the holidays as the government asks that people discourage house guests.

Numbers too high

The government has decided to implement these drastic new measures due to the sharp rise in coronavirus numbers across the Netherlands this past week. On Saturday, 9182 people tested positive for the virus, and a further 9924 on Sunday.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte will address the nation tonight at 7 PM when he will clarify the Dutch government’s new measures.

Follow DutchReview for tonight’s press conference, live. 

Feature Image: martinbertrand.fr/Shutterstock.com

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.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Well its about bl…..y time. All the people who actually comply to the rules (including all the old people who don’t even dare to go out” they are living like this for more than 10 months. I can’t even comprehend how living like that is, being fortunate to live in NZ.
    It is all about the SELFISH people, who really should be working for a while in hospitals or resthomes,, if they get caught not going by the rules.

  2. The hard lockdown is now a fact. Unfortunate, but necessary. Swearing, cursing. Politicians being called out for anything and everything. Scientists being threatened. Entrepreneurs swearing. Please stop it.
    It is the people, who by their behavior, cause the infections themselves. Let’s talk about that instead of blaming and denouncing others. That’s really brave… ! And those anti-vaxxers? Let them reflect on the meaning of temporary-freedom-in-bondage because then you really care about your fellow man. That is social, and you really care about the health of others. I wish you all the best, but don’t whine! 😉

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