Easing of restrictions in Holland sets off ‘Covid rocket’ as R-rate could be as high as 6 – World News

Holland has reimposed Covid restrictions after three weeks of freedom in a bid to curb an infections surge that scientists say could send the R rate as high as 6.

Restaurants, bars, nightclubs and music festivals had been given the green light to open back up on June 26 leading to a sudden spike in infections, especially among the young.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the measures would take effect from yesterday morning and remain in place until August 14.

Dr Robert Rohde, lead scientist at Berkeley Earth who has been mapping how the pandemic has evolved across the world, said the virus had “launched through their society like a rocket” since restrictions were lifted.

He estimated that the doubling time – the rate at which Covid is growing exponentially – as around two days and the R rate shooting up as high as six.

Dr Rohde wrote on Twitter: “The Netherlands removed most of their restrictions, opened night clubs, etc., and the COVID-19 Delta variant has launched through their society like a rocket.

“I read the doubling time as around 2 days. If sustained, that would put the effective reproduction rate, R, around 6”.

Other countries across southern Europe are also to reimpose Covid restrictions amid concern at rapidly rising cases of the Delta variant.

Countries that were among the first to reopen such as Spain, Portugal, Greece and Cyprus are among those now tightening restrictions.

France this week warned its citizens against holidaying in Spain and Portugal, while Germany added Cyprus to its list of high-incidence destinations.

The Netherlands’ easing of restrictions comes as a precursor to the UK’s highly anticipated Freedom Day.

The country’s return to Covid restrictions posing worrying questions about whether the changes set to be made on July 19 will be ‘irreversible’ as Boris Johnson has previously claimed.

It comes as the PM is expected to confirm today that lockdown can be lifted as planned on July 19 at a 5pm Downing Street press conference.

The Prime Minister is meeting top allies today to make the final decision on whether England can scrap almost all Covid laws in one week’s time.

While Downing Street claim the decision will only be final later today, Johnson has made clear he wants to go ahead with step four of his roadmap.

But in a blizzard of mixed messages, he will tonight emphasise caution and say people are “expected” to wear masks in crowded indoor spaces – at the same time as axing all mask laws.

Johnson said last night in a statement: “We are tantalisingly close to the final milestone in our roadmap out of lockdown, but the plan to restore our freedoms must come with a warning.

“While the phenomenal vaccine rollout has offered every adult some protection against the virus, and the crucial link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths is weakened, the global pandemic is not over yet.

“Cases will rise as we unlock, so as we confirm our plans today, our message will be clear. Caution is absolutely vital, and we must all take responsibility so we don’t undo our progress, ensuring we continue to protect our NHS.”

The Prime Minister and his scientific advisors will present the latest data which shows cases surging.

UK cases are up 27% in a week with 31,772 recorded yesterday, with the rate of growth apparently slowing after previously rising more than 50% week-on-week.

Deaths are far lower than earlier in the pandemic but are up 66% in a week, with 26 recorded yesterday and 203 in a week. Hospitalisations are up 57% in a week with 563 yesterday alone.

Health Secretary Sajid Javid is also expected to give a statement on the changes in the House of Commons this afternoon.