Netherlands Axes Days-long Festivals As Covid Spikes
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published July 26, 2021 | 07:17 PM
The Netherlands on Monday cancelled all summer music festivals after a recent spike in coronavirus infections, but eased travel restrictions to most countries in Europe
The Hague, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2021 ) :The Netherlands on Monday cancelled all summer music festivals after a recent spike in coronavirus infections, but eased travel restrictions to most countries in Europe.
The cancellations included the sold-out Lowlands festival, which was also dropped last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Similar festivals like Mysteryland and Down the Rabbit Hole, scheduled for August, will also not take place.
"Unfortunately... we had to extend the current ban on festivals lasting more than 24 hours, at least until September 1," Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said.
A plan to test festival-goers for the virus every 24 hours would have been too complicated, health authorities added.
The Dutch government had to rethink plans to ease restrictions after a sharp spike in cases earlier this month, mainly blamed on highly-infectuous Delta variant.
However, the upward curve has been flattening in recent days, with Dutch health authorities reporting 3,900 new infections on Monday.
The Dutch cabinet also eased restrictions for visits to European countries, making it easier for holidaymakers to travel.
The Netherlands uses a colour-code system: green, meaning no restrictions; yellow, travelling permitted but that there are risks; orange, only essential travel and red, no travel.
As of Tuesday all European countries will either have a green or yellow designation.
"A land can only be put on orange if a new dangerous variant of the virus suddenly appears," the NOS public broadcaster said.
However, travellers returning from countries with a yellow designation will from August 8 have to show proof of vaccination or recovery from Covid-19 or a recent negative PCR or antigen test.
Those not vaccinated or do not show test results risked a 95-euro ($111) fine, the NOS added.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Israel carries out attack inside Iran, report US media
Saudi Assistant Minister of Defence calls on army chief
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 19 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 19 April 2024
Rock-solid Ruud racks up season-leading win in Barcelona
At UN, Iran says it will make Israel 'regret' reprisals
G7 hears calls for 'critical' Ukraine aid
EU seeks to leverage might to confront China, US challenge
5 Customs officials martyred as their vehicle ambushed by terrorists in D I Khan
Pak-New Zealand match called off due to rain
NHA restores traffic on roads affected by recent rains in Balochistan
China to fully support Pakistan's efforts against terrorism: Ambassador Jiang
More Stories From World
-
Ukraine says eight killed in overnight Russian strikes
39 minutes ago -
Meta releases beefed-up AI models
48 minutes ago -
Ukraine says downed Russian long-range strategic bomber
49 minutes ago -
Israel carries out attack inside Iran, report US media
51 minutes ago -
IAEA says 'no damage to Iran's nuclear sites'
1 hour ago -
The flamenco dress, an Andalusian classic evolving with fashion
1 hour ago
-
Taylor Swift's 'The Tortured Poets Department' drops
1 hour ago -
Tokyo's Nikkei drops over 1,000 points, most in 3 years
1 hour ago -
Alternate jurors to be confirmed at Trump trial
1 hour ago -
Ambassador Munir Akram discusses issues on UN agenda with Iran's top diplomat
1 hour ago -
New Zealand ram put down after death of elderly couple
2 hours ago -
Three killed, 20 injured in Russian strikes on southern Ukraine
2 hours ago