Netherlands to go into strict Christmas lockdown

FILE PHOTO: General view of the canals at the Prinsengracht in Amsterdam, Netherlands March 10, 2021. Picture taken March 10, 2021. REUTERS/Eva Plevier

THE HAGUE (Reuters) -The Netherlands will go into a strict lockdown over the Christmas and New Year period to try to contain the highly- contagious Omicron coronavirus variant, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Saturday.

All non-essential shops and services, including restaurants, hairdressers, museums and gyms will be closed from Sunday until Jan. 14. All schools will be shut until at least Jan. 9.