Three weeks ago, the relaxation of Corona measures started in the Netherlands. Now the country is facing a sharp increase in Corona infections. The number of deaths from the coronavirus also increased. The Dutch health authority sees a connection between the relaxations and the current situation.

It's a path that many countries with rising vaccination rates are currently taking. Slowly loosening the rules, trying to return to a state of normalcy. Iceland plans to end its remaining restrictions starting Nov. 18, and in Germany, Health Minister Jens Spahn plans to phase out the Corona emergency at the end of November. It's a path that has drawn criticism from some. In the Netherlands, too, people are currently no longer so sure whether the relaxations were the right move. The sharp rise in Corona infections and patient numbers in hospitals does not seem to be abating. Hospitals are having to cancel surgeries again as intensive care units become more crowded. About 80 percent of Covid patients are not vaccinated.

In the past seven days, 48 deaths related to Covid-19 have been reported. A doubling compared to the previous week. The number of new infections also increased - by 44 percent compared to the previous week, with about 25,700 cases reported. The incidence is 151, the figures announced Tuesday by the Reich Institute for Health and the Environment (RIVM), which is responsible for the case. According to the authority, a direct link can be established between the relaxation measures three weeks ago and the current situation. The mask requirement was lifted - except for wearing in public transport - and the distance rule of 1.5 meters was completely overturned. The 3G proof is only required before visiting restaurants.

Despite imposed restrictions, the numbers also keep rising in another EU country - it is now imposing the toughest lockdown since the start of the pandemic.

Photo by Matheus Frade