Netherlands enters lockdown as Europe tries to contain Omicron spread
Global News
Dutch urban centers were largely deserted as the Netherlands began a snap lockdown that left people's Christmas plans in disarray.
The Netherlands went into lockdown on Sunday and the possibility of more COVID-19 restrictions over the Christmas and New Year period loomed over several European countries as the Omicron coronavirus variant spreads quickly.
In the United States, White House medical adviser Anthony Fauci urged people traveling over the holidays to get booster shots and always wear masks in crowded public spaces.
He described Omicron as “raging through the world,” and said traveling will increase the risk of infection even among vaccinated people.
Dutch urban centers were largely deserted as the country began a snap lockdown that left people’s Christmas plans in disarray.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the shutdown on Saturday evening, ordering the closure of all but essential stores, as well as restaurants, hairdressers, gyms, museums and other public places from Sunday until at least Jan. 14.
Omicron, a very contagious variant first detected last month in southern Africa and Hong Kong, has raced around the globe and been reported in 89 countries, the World Health Organization said on Saturday.
The number of Omicron cases is doubling in 1.5 to 3 days in areas with community transmission, the WHO said, noting that much is still not known about the variant, including the severity of the illness it causes.
While the Netherlands took the plunge and shut down much of public life to prevent its healthcare system from being overwhelmed by an expected surge in cases, several other European governments are considering more curbs – at a time when people are normally spending money on shopping, entertainment and travel.
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