JAKARTA - The Dutch government will lift most coronavirus restrictions on Friday, as the record infection rate triggered by the Omicron variant has not translated into peak hospitalizations, said Health Minister Ernst Kuipers.
"The country is about to open up again. Gladly we are in a different phase now," Kuipers said at a press conference, as quoted by Reuters on February 17.
Bars and restaurants will be allowed to remain open until 01.00 (midnight GMT) from Friday, instead of 22.00 as is the case during COVID-19 restrictions.
Minister Kuipers, who said he was optimistic about the situation but still urged caution, added normal closing hours would resume from February 25.
"We have just passed the peak (of new cases), so we emphasize that we all must remain careful," he said, adding that masks are no longer mandatory but are still recommended.
Social distancing measures will also be removed in public places at the end of the month, but visitors must show proof of vaccination, recent recovery from COVID-19 or a negative coronavirus test.
To note, several other European countries have already announced a gradual easing of their restrictions. For example, French nightclubs may reopen on Wednesdays.
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