The Netherlands has become the first EU country to re-enter a strict nationwide lockdown in a response to the spread of the Omicron coronavirus variant that will shut swaths of the economy until at least mid-January.
Tough new restrictions to close all bars, restaurants, non-essential shops, cinemas and gyms kicked in on Sunday morning and will last until at least January 14. Professional sports events will take place without crowds and homes can invite a maximum of four guests during the Christmas period, to be reduced to two after the holidays.