Netherlands Eases COVID-19 Lockdown

A general view of a largely deserted Dutch urban centre is seen as the country enters into its third day of lockdown, in Den Bosch, Netherlands, on Dec. 21, 2021. Piroschka van de Wouw/Reuters

AMSTERDAM—Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Friday announced the reopening of stores, hairdressers, and gyms, partially lifting the country’s strict lockdown.

“We are taking a big step and that also means we’re taking a big risk,” Rutte told a televised press conference.