The Dutch government will lift most of the coronavirus restrictions from Friday, February 18, as record levels of infections caused by the omicron variant did not lead to a peak in hospitalizations, Reuters reported.

"The country will reopen. Fortunately, we are now in a different phase. However, we insist that everyone must be careful," Health Minister Ernst Kuipers was quoted as saying.

According to him, football stadiums, theaters and cinemas can again receive visitors almost without restrictions from Friday. Restaurants will be open until 1am instead of 10pm.

It was also noted that the return to normal life will occur in two stages. After the first easing this Friday, then the expected final move will follow on February 25th. Then masks and vaccination passports will be cancelled. With a passport, restaurant, culture and sports goers currently still have to prove they've been tested, vaccinated, or recovered.

For large indoor events such as festivals, mandatory testing should apply in the future. Masks will still be required on public transport and on planes.

In recent weeks, there has been increased pressure from citizens and businesses on the government to lift restrictions. Experts consider it justified. According to the Institute for Health and the Environment (RIVM), the number of patients in hospitals is decreasing slightly. The number of new infections has decreased by 22 percent over the past seven days. The institute came to the conclusion that the peak of the wave of infection from the "omicron" seems to have passed.

bbabo.Net