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HEALTH-VIRUS-NETHERLANDS
Dutch to impose first curfew to curb coronavirus: PM
THE HAGUE, Jan 20, 2021 (BSS/AFP) – The Netherlands will impose a
nationwide curfew from Friday for the first time during the coronavirus
pandemic in a bid to stem the spread of the disease, Prime Minister Mark
Rutte said.
The curfew will cover the hours from 8:30 pm to 4:30 am and last until
February 10, Rutte told a press conference, adding that he would seek the
support of parliament for the measure.
The Netherlands will also ban flights from Britain, South Africa and South
America from January 23 as concern mounts about the spread of Covid-19
variants, Rutte said.
“The most important measure is that we have the intention of introducing a
curfew. That means a ban from being outside between certain hours,” Rutte
said as he announced the new measures. “Of course, we can’t and don’t want to
take such a drastic step without the approval of parliament. If there is
sufficient support only then we will take a definitive decision.”
Rutte and his cabinet resigned on Friday over a scandal involving child
tax benefits, but are staying on in a caretaker capacity until elections in
mid-March with the power to take decisions on coronavirus measures.
The Netherlands is already under its toughest measures since the start of
the pandemic, including the closure of schools and non-essential shops.
BSS/AFP/SSS/1956 hrs