Netherlands to lift COVID curbs on February 18

Dutch Health Minister Ernst Kuipers announced on Tuesday the government would lift almost all of its coronavirus-related restriction measures from February 18.

“The country will open up again… happily, we are in a different phase now,” Kuipers told reporters, adding that the Netherlands “has just passed the peak [of new cases], that is why we insist we all should remain careful.”

Bars and restaurants will be able to work until 1:00 am from Friday, while there won’t be mask requirements. However, social distancing measures in public places are expected to remain in effect until March.

Baha Breaking the News (BBN) / ND