AMSTERDAM: The Netherlands was set to enter an even stricter lockdown as forecasts of heavy snow and strong winds on Sunday triggered the nation’s first nationwide weather alert in 9 years.
The government on Saturday issued a plea for residents to stay at their house as national weather institute KNMI issued a “code red” for the entire nation, warning that icy winds of up to 90km and up to 20cm of snow could lead to hazardous snowdrifts on roads and limited visibility.
All COVID-19 testing facilities will be closed on Sunday, health authorities stated, while train services can be reduced to a minimum level and main supermarkets canceled deliveries after deciding it would be too dangerous to send drivers out, all skilled soccer matches had been additionally scrapped for the day, whereas the Amsterdam metropolis council decided to shut all canal locks in a bid to make it possible to ice skate later within the week. Amsterdam Schiphol airport warned of delays.
The stay-at-home order added to an already broad lockdown in which non-essential stores, restaurants, bars, and other public places have been closed for weeks and people have been informed to restrict their travel in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
