THE HAGUE – New coronavirus infections in the Netherlands fell 20% over the last week but more transmissible variants now account for two-thirds of Dutch infections, the public health institute said Tuesday hours before a government press conference on the country's tough lockdown.
The institute said new infections fell to 28,628 but urged “the greatest possible caution” in any relaxation of the lockdown.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte was not expected to announce any major easing of the tough lockdown that started Dec. 15. Bars and restaurants have been closed even longer — since mid-October.
The first easing of the lockdown this year came Sunday, when the government announced that elementary schools and daycare centers will reopen next Monday.