Amsterdam: The lockdown has been announced before Christmas in view of the increasing threat of Omicron, a new variant of Coronavirus in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Strict guidelines have been issued regarding the lockdown. Orders have been given to close non-essential shops, gyms, and public places. The lockdown will remain in force till at least the second week of January. Let us tell you that in many countries of Europe, restrictions have been announced due to Omicron.
According to the order, all schools in the Netherlands will remain closed until at least January 9. No more than 2 guests above the age of 13 years will be allowed in anyone’s house. At least four guests can come inside the house from 24 to 26 December i.e. on Christmas Days. Apart from this, matches will be played in the stadium without spectators.
What is the status of vaccination?
So far 85% of people in the Netherlands have received both doses of the vaccine. Apart from this, a booster dose has also been given to 9 percent of the people. On the other hand, France, Ireland, and Germany have also announced many restrictions to avoid Omicron. French Prime Minister Jean Castex has warned that Omicron is spreading at lightning speed in Europe and will probably be effective in France by early next year.
Children will get the vaccine
This week the Netherlands government has cleared the way for giving the Covid-19 vaccine to children between the ages of five and 11 years. The country’s Health Ministry said that this vaccination of children will start in mid-January. Children will receive a smaller dose of Pfizer vaccine than adults, and it is up to parents whether or not to vaccinate their children. The government said that most children infected with the coronavirus develop only mild symptoms, but a small number of children can become seriously ill.
What did WHO say?
The World Health Organization said on Saturday that a new variant of the coronavirus, Omicron, has spread in 89 countries. According to WHO, this virus is increasing at double the speed every one and a half to 3 days. The eyes of doctors around the world are currently on this variant. At the moment it is difficult to say how effective the current vaccine is against it.
