Shops and universities to reopen Saturday, hospitality stays closed
By Victoria Séveno
Sources from The Hague have revealed that the Dutch government plans to reopen non-essential shops, gyms and higher education on Saturday, but that the hospitality industry will remain closed for the time being.
Dutch government to relax some lockdown rules
As cabinet ministers meet on Thursday to discuss the current coronavirus lockdown and the imminent press conference, sources have told the Dutch media that some restrictions will be relaxed this weekend, but that various measures will remain in place in order to curb the Omicron wave and limit pressure on the Dutch healthcare system.
Non-essential shops will reopen from Saturday, but they will only be open for shopping by appointment. Gyms, hairdressers and other contact professions will also reopen. Finally, universities and vocational education will resume physical classes from next week.
However, despite calls from many to lift the lockdown, rumours suggest restaurants, bars, and cafes will remain closed, as will the cultural industry (i.e. theatres, museums, and cinemas).
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Victoria grew up in Amsterdam, before moving to the UK to study English and Related Literature at the University of York and completing her NCTJ course at the Press Association in London. She has a love for all things movies, animals, and food. Read more