The Dutch government has relaxed restrictions on indoor hospitality venues.
The removal of current measures – introduced last month amid an Omicron surge – takes effect today, Wednesday. Restaurants, bars, cinemas, theatres, music halls, museums, zoos and amusement parks will be allowed to open until 10pm, though visitors will be required to show proof of vaccination to gain entry.
Nightclubs will remain shut and the number of people allowed indoors and in stadiums will be capped.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte told a press conference Tuesday that the move wasn’t without a risk. “We are taking a big step today to unlock the Netherlands while the infections numbers are really going through the roof,” Rutte said, adding that the new rules will be effective until 8 March.
COVID infections have spiked in recent weeks, despite a tough lockdown, but admissions to intensive care units across the country have been declining.
