"After Lockdown, People from This Country Cross Borders to Neighboring Countries for Meals"

The Netherlands has reimposed a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the Omicron variant of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] As the Dutch government imposed a lockdown due to the spread of the new coronavirus variant Omicron, many citizens have been crossing into neighboring Belgium and Germany to enjoy dining and shopping.

On the 21st (local time), according to the British daily The Guardian, the Netherlands entered lockdown from the 19th, closing non-essential stores such as pubs, restaurants, cinemas, theaters, and museums, except for essential shops like supermarkets and pharmacies.

However, Belgium, which borders the Netherlands, allows vaccinated people to keep restaurants open until 11 p.m. Germany grants each state the authority to close restaurants, but no such measures have been implemented yet. Because of this, Dutch citizens are crossing the border to visit nearby restaurants and pubs in Belgium and Germany.

Residents in the border areas of Belgium and Germany, who have to accommodate the influx of Dutch visitors, are reportedly feeling uneasy. Cathy Berx, governor of Antwerp in Belgium, warned, "If this continues, restaurants will soon have to close," and clearly stated, "People should not come to cafes or restaurants in the Antwerp area."

Mark Van Apre, mayor of Hochstraten city in Belgium, which borders the Netherlands, explained that hundreds of Dutch people were kicked out of restaurants last weekend.

He said, "I understand that many Dutch people want to have dinner here, but it is not a wise approach. We need to ask ourselves what the best way to prevent the COVID-19 pandemic is," and added, "I have many Dutch friends, but it is best for them to stay in their own country for the time being."

Kai Zbicker, administrator of Westm?nsterland in Germany, which borders the Netherlands, also said, "People should avoid unnecessary visits to neighboring countries," and emphasized, "Germans should stay in Germany, and Dutch people should stay in the Netherlands."

On the other hand, the European Union (EU) is encouraging member states not to impose border controls. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, recently appealed, as entry restrictions among EU member states increased, "Borders within the EU should remain open."

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