It is not yet known what those new measures are. The cabinet is very concerned about the spread of the virus, Minister of Health Hugo de Jonge reiterated today after the cabinet meeting.
Many cases in Amsterdam
Due to the rapid advance of the contagious virus variant in neighboring countries, the cabinet asked the OMT for additional advice.
Things are moving fast in the Netherlands too. For example, research this week showed that a quarter of the corona cases in Amsterdam concern the omikron variant.
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The omikron variant has currently been diagnosed in more than a hundred people in the Netherlands, but the actual number of cases is probably higher. It could lead to a new wave of infections.
The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) expects omikron to be the most common variant shortly after the turn of the year. It’s not clear whether the version is also more sickening, but it’s possible that a new wave of hospitalizations is also on the way.
Just new measures
The cabinet just announced new measures last Tuesday. Primary schools and after-school care will close next week. Other measures, such as the evening lockdown and banning spectators from sports competitions, will remain in force for longer.
Those rules would apply until January 14, but Prime Minister Mark Rutte then hinted that there may be ‘a new weighing moment sooner’. Possible new measures include closing the catering industry, non-essential shops and theaters and cinemas.
Catshuis consultation
The OMT met today to draw up the additional advice requested by the cabinet. It is not yet known what the government will do with the recommendations. Initially, Catshuis consultation on Sunday was expected, but that is now being replaced by the digital consultation tomorrow.
A corona press conference by Prime Minister Rutte and Minister De Jonge may follow in the following days.
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