Netherlands to close schools, restaurants in coronavirus fight

A tourist looks at an announcement that the Van Gogh Museum is closed because of the coronavirus outbreak, in Amsterdam, Netherlands March 13, 2020. REUTERS/Piroschka van de Wouw

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - All Dutch schools, cafes, restaurants and sport clubs were ordered to be closed on Sunday as the government sought to prevent the further spread of coronavirus in the Netherlands.

The step came as the number of confirmed coronavirus infections in the country rose by 176 to 1,135, with 20 deaths, the National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) said.

The restrictions will remain in place until at least April 6, Education Minister Arie Slob said in a press conference.

"It has become clear that it was impossible for many schools to remain open, as many teachers were already sick at home and because of safety risks," he said. "Therefore we have decided to close all schools and daycare centres."

The government asked the country's 17 million residents to keep their distance when leaving the house. "Do not hoard, it's not necessary there is enough to go around," Slob said.

All saunas, sex clubs, sport schools and marijuana coffee shops were also ordered to close at 1800 (1700GMT) Sunday evening.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte's Cabinet had initially resisted closing schools, but changed course after coming under pressure from educators and medical specialists.

A letter sent to parents in Amsterdam said Dutch medical professionals had recommended schools be closed and plans were being drawn up in the event the closures would last longer.

Healthcare Minister Bruno Bruins said additional measures were likely.

"I am certain these will not be our last measures, the situation keeps developing very rapidly and we will keep deciding on further measures based on the knowledge of experts. I cannot speculate on what measures these will be, but it is clear that more will follow."

Rutte was scheduled to address the nation on Monday evening to explain the unprecedented measures.

(Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg and Bart Meijer; Writing by Anthony Deutsch; Editing by Kirsten Donovan, Edmund Blair, Alexandra Hudson and Alexander Smith)