Dutch government tightens COVID-19 measures again

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Faced with sharply rising coronavirus cases, the caretaker prime minister of the Netherlands said Tuesday that the Dutch government is reinstituting an order to wear face masks in public places like stores and libraries and mandating an extension for the use of COVID-19 passes.

COVID-19 cases have increased rapidly in the Netherlands for weeks. The country’s public health institute reported Tuesday that confirmed infections rose 39% compared to the week before and hospital admissions were up 31%. The upward trend began soon after the government ended most remaining lockdown restrictions in late September.

“It won't surprise anybody that we again have a tough message this evening,” Prime Minister Rutte said during a nationally televised press conference. “Tough because we unfortunately have to ask more of people now that the infection numbers and hospital numbers are rising quickly.”

Rutte also urged people to socially distance, work from home at least half the time, and to avoid travel to busy places and during the morning and evening rush hours.

As part of the new restrictions, students will have to wear face masks at school when they walk between classes. The new mask rules and requirements for COVID passes to be shown at more public locations, including museums and theme parks, are set to come into force on Saturday.

Rutte also appealed for calm in the polarized debate between supporters and opponents of COVID-19 measures.

“Because we have to do this together,” he said. He urged “a little understanding for one another's opinion and for every situation, with mildness toward each other.”

As Rutte spoke, a group of opponents of the measures demonstrated outside. Police said some threw fireworks at officers.

Earlier Tuesday, the Dutch...