Rutte extends lockdown measures in Netherlands

The Dutch government ordered elementary schools to close a week early for Christmas holidays on Tuesday. Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte also extended the country's existing lockdown until Jan. 14, saying the government has to be alert for the new variant.

Rutte said school holidays will be extended from two weeks to three, starting Dec. 20. Bars, restaurants and other public meeting places such as theatres and cinemas have been shutting their doors at 5 p.m. since Nov. 28 and now they will have to continue through the holiday season.

Rutte said continuing high pressure on the health care system combined with the looming threat of the omicron variant made measures unavoidable. Health Minister said the country's booster campaign will be accelerated so that every adult who wants a booster shot will be able to get one by the second half of January.