Lockdown..

 

The Netherlands on Sunday began an “unavoidable” lockdown that will last through Christmas to help tackle a COVID-19 surge caused by the emergence of the Omicron variant.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the shut-down on Saturday evening, ordering most essential stores, as well as restaurants, hairdressers, gyms, museums and other public places to close until at least Jan. 14.

“The Netherlands is again shutting down. That is unavoidable because of the fifth wave that is coming at us with the Omicron variant,” Rutte said at a news conference.

Under the rules, people are urged to stay home as much as possible and households are only permitted to have two guests at a time.

Rutte acknowledged that the lockdown will interfere with holiday plans and business.  Just a thought.