01:04Netherlands: First curfew since WWII begins amid fears over COVID variants
A national curfew went into effect in the Netherlands on Saturday, as seen in Amsterdam, in a bid to curb the rising number of COVID-19 infections, a high percentage of which linked to the B117 mutation of the virus.
The streets around the Royal Palace in the Dutch capital were deserted shortly after 21:00.
Residents are now only allowed to leave their homes if they have a valid purpose as the Dutch government is 'gravely concerned' about the spread of coronavirus variants.
The curfew - the first of its kind to be imposed across the country since World War II - is expected to remain in place until at least February 10. The restrictions are enforced between 21:00 and 04:30 local time (20:00 GMT and 03:30 GMT). Violators risk a fine of 95 euros ($115).
01:04A national curfew went into effect in the Netherlands on Saturday, as seen in Amsterdam, in a bid to curb the rising number of COVID-19 infections, a high percentage of which linked to the B117 mutation of the virus.
The streets around the Royal Palace in the Dutch capital were deserted shortly after 21:00.
Residents are now only allowed to leave their homes if they have a valid purpose as the Dutch government is 'gravely concerned' about the spread of coronavirus variants.
The curfew - the first of its kind to be imposed across the country since World War II - is expected to remain in place until at least February 10. The restrictions are enforced between 21:00 and 04:30 local time (20:00 GMT and 03:30 GMT). Violators risk a fine of 95 euros ($115).