Additional Easing of Dutch Lockdown Measures... Indoor Dining at Restaurants Allowed

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] Major foreign media reported that the Netherlands will further ease lockdown measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 starting from June 5.

Mark Rutte, Prime Minister of the Netherlands, said at a press conference on the 28th (local time), "The easing measures effective June 5 practically signify the end of the lockdown," adding, "We will take calculated risks."

The Netherlands decided on this easing of lockdown measures as the number of new COVID-19 cases decreased and vaccination rates increased. Accordingly, restaurants and bars will be allowed to open until 10 p.m. and operate indoors.

Museums will be allowed one visitor per 1㎡, and performance venues and cinemas can admit up to 50 spectators.

Since mid-October last year, the Netherlands had imposed strict lockdown measures, including closing all restaurants and bars and introducing a nighttime curfew in January for the first time since World War II.

Subsequently, at the end of April, the nighttime curfew was lifted, and restrictions were partially eased to allow restaurants, bars, and cafes to serve customers outdoors until a certain time.

The Dutch government added that if the infection situation remains at the current level, further easing of restrictions will take place on June 30.

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