Netherlands — The Netherlands on Wednesday became the latest European nation to begin cautiously relaxing its lockdown even as infection rates and intensive care occupancy remain stubbornly high.
The Dutch follow Italy, Greece, France, and other European nations in moving to reopen society and edge away from economically crippling lockdowns within the coming weeks.
A curfew that sparked rioting when it was introduced nationwide in January was lifted and shoppers were allowed to visit nonessential stores without making an appointment first, though numbers were limited.
Bars and cafes were allowed to reopen their outdoor terraces for the first time in six months, but some owners weren’t happy with the conditions they say will make it near impossible to turn a profit.
The terraces are only allowed to open between midday and 6 p.m. for a maximum of two socially distanced individuals per table unless they’re from the same household.
The nation’s public health institute reported Tuesday that infections edged higher over the last week to just over 55,000 whereas hospital admissions declined very slightly. More than 17,000 individuals are confirmed to have died of COVID-19 within the Netherlands.
After being the last European Union nation to begin its vaccination campaign, the Netherlands, a nation of about 17.4 million individuals, has now administered around 5.3 million shots.
