The number of new coronavirus cases is still very high, and hospitals are filling up with Covid-19 patients. The government informed that the Delta variant had passed its peak thanks to the previous effective measures. However, the new Omicron variant also raises concern, and a cautious approach is needed: the new Omicron variant is expected to dominate within the next few weeks.
Therefore, the government has decided to prolong the measures introduced in November until at least Friday 14 January 2022. Primary schools, schools for special (primary) education, and out-of-school care facilities (BSO) will also be closed the week before Christmas. BSO will be open during the regular Christmas break. Primary schools will reopen again on Monday, 10 January 2022.
The situation will be reviewed on 14 January, or possibly earlier if the Outbreak Management Team gains important new insights into the Omicron variant.