AMSTERDAM — Dutch urban centers were largely deserted on Sunday as the country began a snap lockdown that, aimed at stemming an expected COVID-19 surge caused by the fast-spreading Omicron variant, left people’s Christmas plans in disarray. Several people were held as fireworks and bottles were thrown at police and at the Ajax team bus, news agency ANP said. Spectators have been barred from Dutch sporting events since the end of November. Dutch coronavirus infections have dropped from record levels after a night-time lockdown came into force last month. But Omicron cases are increasing rapidly and the variant is expected to become dominant before the end of the year.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 19, 2021 21:39 UTC