The Netherlands will return to a partial lockdown from tomorrow after the government ordered restaurants and shops to close early and barred spectators from major sporting events in an effort to contain a rapid surge in Covid-19 cases.
Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in a televised address that restrictions the Dutch people had thought had ended for good were being reimposed for three weeks from tomorrow. "We are bringing a very unpleasant message with very unpleasant and far-reaching measures," Mr Rutte said. "The virus is everywhere and needs to combatted everywhere." Restaurants, bars and supermarkets will close at 8pm and non-essential retailers at 6pm.