Netherlands announces 4-week lockdown amid omicron fears

ROTTERDAM, Netherlands

The Netherlands on Saturday announced a four-week lockdown starting Sunday amid concerns over the omicron coronavirus variant.

Speaking at a news conference, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said his country will go into a lockdown until at least Jan. 14 in a bid to curb the spread of the omicron variant.

All schools will remain closed until Jan. 9. No events will be allowed until the lockdown ends.

Places where basic needs are provided will be open between 05.00 a.m. and 08.00 p.m., while football games continue to be played without fans.

Four guests per household will be allowed on Christmas and New Year holidays.

Restaurants will be able to serve takeaways.