The Netherlands is headed for a new partial lockdown as the government tries to tame a rapid spread of COVID-19 infections.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte was scheduled to address the nation on the latest measures from his official residence at 7:00 p.m.

Dutch media, citing government sources, said a limited three-week shutdown was likely to begin on Saturday, with restaurants and most stores ordered to close early at 7:00 p.m.

Mr Rutte’s caretaker government was finalising the plan over the course of Friday.

One aspect said to be still under consideration was whether to introduce a rule that allows only those vaccinated against COVID-19. Or who have recovered from it from accessing sports and cultural venues, as well as restaurants?

According to reports, residents are to receive only a maximum of four visitors at home at any one time and sporting competitions are to be held without an audience going forward.

The number of daily new Coronavirus infections rose to more than 16,000 on Thursday, an all-time high.

The situation, especially in intensive care units, is so precarious that hospitals are already warning of crisis of care conditions.

(dpa/NAN)