The Netherlands goes into lockdown: non-essential shops, bars, hairdressers and other public places will be closed!

The Netherlands has announced a strict Christmas lockdown amid worries about the Omicron coronavirus variant. Non-essential shops, bars, hairdressers and other public places will be closed until at least mid-January. Two / four guests per household will be accepted during the holidays.

European countries have tightened restrictions as the Omicron variant spreads. The new rules in the Netherlands, the strictest that have been announced so far at Omicron, come into force on Sunday, December 19th.

Under the new rules, people are urged to stay home as long as possible. Strict limits will be placed on the number of people who can meet. A maximum of two guests aged at least 13 will be allowed in people's homes, and four on December 24-26 and on New Year's Eve and New Year's Eve.

Sports competitions will be without spectators. Markets and weekly fairs will be closed. Schools will be closed until January 9, at least. Other strict measures will remain in force until January 14.

Restaurants will only be able to operate on the basis of deliveries and sell packaged food, and non-essential stores will be able to sell based on the click and collect service.