Netherlands Extends Night Curfew Measures Until March 3

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Eunbyeol] The Dutch government has extended the nighttime curfew measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 until the 3rd of next month.

According to AP News and others on the 9th (local time), the Dutch government stated, "This is a necessary measure to slow the spread of the COVID-19 variant virus first identified in the United Kingdom," and announced the extension of the nighttime curfew.

The Dutch government introduced the nighttime curfew for the first time since World War II on the 23rd of last month. The curfew is in effect from 9 PM to 4:30 AM the next day, and except for those who need to go out urgently, people must stay at home. Violators of the regulation can be fined 95 euros (approximately 130,000 KRW).

Although the daily new COVID-19 cases in the Netherlands have decreased over the past two weeks, health authorities have stated that they cannot lower their guard as the variant virus is spreading rapidly.

Since mid-October last year, bars and restaurants in the Netherlands have been closed, and from mid-December of the same year, non-essential retail stores also ceased operations. Public facilities such as cinemas, museums, and libraries were also closed, and the size of indoor and outdoor gatherings has been restricted. However, elementary schools and daycare centers reopened from the 1st of this month.

Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel also stated that it is estimated that 20% of new COVID-19 cases are infected with the variant virus. Accordingly, attention is focused on whether Germany will extend its lockdown measures. Germany will hold a meeting of the federal government and the 16 state governors chaired by Chancellor Merkel on the 10th to decide whether to extend the lockdown measures.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.