The Netherlands going into strict lockdown: Is UK next?
There is breaking news out of The Netherlands today where the government just announced a strict lockdown in an effort to contain a major surge of the new COVID-19 omicron variant. Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte said in a hastily called news conference, "I stand here tonight in a somber mood ...The Netherlands will go back into lockdown from tomorrow," adding the new restrictions were "unavoidable."
The U.K. and France are also reportedly considering new restrictions as the new variant spreads across Europe and the U.K. France has already canceled all major public parties and fireworks displays for New Year's Eve.
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Under the new rules that go into effect Sunday, Dec. 19, non-essential shops will be closed until mid-January. Schools, bars, restaurants and other public facilities will also be shut.
Everyone is asked to stay home as much as possible. There are also strict new rules on groups. A maximum of two guests are allowed into people's homes (that doesn't include those under 13). The only exceptions are on Dec. 24-26 and New Year's Eve when the limit is raised to four guests.
Omicron is expected to become the dominant variant in the Netherlands during the holidays.
The United Kingdom is also mulling lockdown
Meantime, there are reports the U.K. is also considering a lockdown, among other measures.
According to the Financial Times, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was presented with a range of plans yesterday, with reports a full lockdown is among the options.
There is also a proposal for a so-called "circuit breaker" that would ban indoor meetings for two weeks after Christmas, according to the U.K.'s Times newspaper.
Johnson has insisted he does not want to "close things down" again.
Just yesterday, the U.K. reported more than 90,000 new coronavirus cases as the omicron variant spreads like wildfire.
Current travel restrictions for Americans
Related: The Netherlands to require boosters beginning in February
As of publication, Americans can still enter the Netherlands if they are fully vaccinated or qualify for one of the EU Entry Ban Exemption Categories.
Restrictions for the Netherlands have changed throughout the year. During the summer, U.S. visitors were allowed to travel with fewer restrictions. In September, the Netherlands reversed course on requiring quarantines.
Related: Country-by-country guide to coronavirus reopenings
The U.S. State Department's advisory for the Netherlands is Level 4: Do Not Travel and the CDC's advisory for the country is Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.
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| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels. |
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Build your loyalty to Delta by applying for the carrier's mid-tier card option, the Delta SkyMiles Platinum card. The annual fee is quickly recouped by the card's travel perks, such as an application credit to Global Entry or TSA Precheck, annual companion certificate and so much more. Plus you can fast-track to elite status simply through card spend.Pros
- Earn bonus Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) and an Medallion Qualifying Dollar (MQD) waiver when you hit specific spending thresholds with your card within a calendar year
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year
- Statement credit for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry fee (up to $100)
- First checked bag free
Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees