AMSTERDAM — Shopping streets in the Netherlands were closed and people’s Christmas plans were in disarray as the country began a lockdown on Sunday aimed at limiting an expected COVID-19 surge caused by the rise of the Omicron variant. ADVERTISEMENTThe news came as a shock to many Dutch people as they headed into the Christmas and New Year period. “Closing all bars and restaurants in such an important month is incredibly painful and dramatic. Coronavirus infections in the Netherlands have dropped from record levels in recent weeks after a night-time lockdown was put in place late last month. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy PolicyFor more news about the novel coronavirus click here.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 19, 2021 22:34 UTC