THE HAGUE, Nov. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Dutch government on Friday announced stricter measures and an "evening lockdown" as part of efforts to curb rising COVID-19 infections.
The "evening lockdown" means that a new closing time applies to all locations and events between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m., although essential stores can remain open until 8 p.m. Meanwhile, there are no restrictions on services such as medical contact professions.
Schools remain open, albeit with restrictive measures such as walking routes, face masks in hallways, and more regular self-tests for teachers and students.
"I thought back to the beginning of the crisis last year," Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told a press conference in the Hague. "The big difference ... is that most of us are now vaccinated. That is a good thing. Vaccination works."
"The second big difference is less positive," Rutte said. "At the time, we thought we would get rid of the virus with vaccination. The reality is very different. The healthcare sector is in crisis again. That is why we decided today to take these far-reaching measures."
The measures will come into effect on Sunday and apply for at least three weeks.
On Friday, the Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) reported lower numbers of positive tests (21,350 positive tests over the past 24 hours, 895 less than in the previous 24 hours).
However, occupancy rates in hospitals increased, with 2,598 COVID-19 patients compared to 2,545 on Thursday. Of these, 528 were in the ICU, compared to 530 on Thursday. The RIVM also reported that 59 patients had died from coronavirus, up from an average of 45 in the last 7 days.
The new government measures are aimed at reducing the amount of daily contact between citizens. Other measures include reinforced advice to stay at home, mandatory 1.5-meter social distancing for all adults, and the wearing of face masks in public indoor spaces such as cinemas and theatres.
Amateur sports are no longer allowed between 5 p.m. and 5 a.m. However, the practice of professional sport, art and culture will be allowed after 5 p.m., although without spectators. Enditem
