The Netherlands on Saturday kicked off their first nationwide curfew since World War II. In addition, the country has banned flights from South Africa and Britain, where new strains of the coronavirus had emerged.
This marks the toughest decision in the country on the pandemic to date. The country’s Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the curfew is largely expected to lead to more infectious variants of the virus.
On Saturday, the country voted for a curfew from 9pm to 4.30am.
The ban on flights began on Saturday, with planes arriving from most countries banned.
“This is a very difficult measure, but we are at a crossroads,” Rutte said at a televised news conference. “The British variable leaves us no choice.”
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As part of the curfew, only people in emergency situations can leave during the hours.
Exceptions against curfews include medical emergencies, essential workers across fields, and pet walking on a leash. Violators are expected to be fined $ 115.
In addition, the government has said that all international travelers arriving by plane or ship must pass two rapid negative coronavirus tests, which should be done just before departure.
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Earlier, the country required a negative test conducted within 72 hours of travel.
Since mid-December, schools and non-essential shops have remained closed. Earlier, bars and restaurants across the country were closed. All of these facilities will be closed until at least February 9th.