The Netherlands closes primary schools a week before the Christmas holidays

As the Netherlands struggles with the arrival of the Omicron variant, primary school closures have been announced.

Faced with the emergence of the Omicron variant in the Netherlands, Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced new restrictive measures on Tuesday. Primary schools will be closed from December 20, one week before the start of the Christmas holidays.

A decision indicated that the cases of coronavirus infection are the highest among primary school students, according to health authorities. “Because the Christmas holiday starts right around Christmas this year, children can unknowingly pass the infection on to their older relatives, which puts great pressure on hospitals,” the government said in a statement.

Unpopular restrictions

In addition, existing health restrictions will be extended until January 14. These include closing non-essential shops, bars and restaurants every day between 5pm and 5am. Citizens will be able to receive only four guests in the house.

“Obviously, this is not the happy message we had hoped for with Christmas approaching,” he explained. “But it’s not a surprise. We can’t ignore the signal about the Omicron variant.”

Health restrictions imposed by the Dutch government are becoming increasingly unpopular, with riots erupting in cities such as Rotterdam and The Hague for several nights in November.