Netherlands plans to tighten health restrictions, despite riots

The Dutch government could announce a strengthening of health restrictions on Friday, the Minister of Health announced on Wednesday, after nights of riots and protests against the latest health measures that have shaken the Netherlands in recent days.

A new "dismal and disturbing" wave of new cases of Covid-19 has pushed the executive to bring forward by one week the meeting initially scheduled for December 3, which must adapt health measures to the epidemic resumption, explained Hugo de Jonge in front of journalists.

This ministerial meeting will be followed by a press conference by Prime Minister Mark Rutte, where the head of state will announce the new decisions, added de Jonge.

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The Minister of Health refused to "anticipate" the new restrictions envisaged, which according to the Dutch media could include a closure of schools, where we are currently witnessing an explosion of infections.

Stepping up current measures risks igniting an already tense situation in the Netherlands.

The country is just emerging from four high-tension nights in various cities across the country.

After a demonstration that turned into a riot on Friday in Rotterdam, violent clashes also took place in The Hague on Saturday.

The cities of Zwolle, Groningen (north) and Roosendaal (south) then experienced lesser tensions on Sunday and Monday.

Tightened restrictions

A total of 173 people have been arrested and 12 injured across the country since Friday.

The Prime Minister's last two conferences devoted to the epidemic were also marked by clashes between police and protesters outside ministries in The Hague.

Since November 13, health restrictions have already been tightened.

Bars, restaurants and essential stores such as supermarkets must close at 8:00 p.m. (7:00 p.m. GMT) and non-essential stores at 6:00 p.m.

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Citizens are also called upon not to accommodate more than four people in their homes and to telework.

Public demonstrations are prohibited and football matches played behind closed doors.

The government has already warned Monday that it is considering measures "similar to containment" if current restrictions are not respected.

The Netherlands is currently registering more than 23,000 new cases per day.

The executive also recently unveiled a bill that plans to ban access to bars, restaurants and other public places to unvaccinated people.