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December 20,2021

Anna Murray 

Efforts have stepped up across Europe to combat a new wave of COVID-19 infections caused by the highly transmissible Omicron variant, with the Netherlands leading the way with a statewide shutdown. The Netherlands imposed a strict new lockdown on December 19 in response to concerns about the Omicron coronavirus variant, as Europe braced for an increase in COVID-19 cases during the traditionally busy holiday season.

According to Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who announced the closure of all non-essential retailers, taverns, and restaurants in the Netherlands at a hastily arranged press conference on December 18 night, all non-essential retailers, taverns, and restaurants in the Netherlands would be closed from December 19 to January 14. All schools and universities will be closed until January 9.

The lockdown was unavoidable due to the fifth wave caused by the Omicron variant. Since its discovery in the Netherlands in November, the Omicron variant's prevalence has increased, and hospitals are dealing with record numbers of COVID-19 patients on their wards this year.

Private holiday celebrations are also prohibited in the Netherlands due to lockdown restrictions. Indoor parties in the Netherlands will be limited to a maximum of two guests per household until mid-January, according to Prime Minister Rutte. This number is slightly increased to four guests around Christmas and New Year's Eve.