A nearly-empty Kalverstraat, an otherwise crowded shopping street, in Amsterdam (Picture: EPA)

All schools, cafes, restaurants and sports clubs will be closed in the Netherlands to stop the spread of coronavirus.

The Dutch government decided on Sunday to lockdown the country after holding crisis meetings, according to national broadcaster NOS.

The Netherlands has reported eight more deaths due to the coronavirus, taking the total to 20.

The Dutch National Institute for Public Health (RIVM) said the number of infections had risen by 176 to 1,135.


A picture from March 14 shows the Apple Store closed at Leidseplein in Amsterdam (Picture: Getty)

The restrictions will remain in place until at least April 6, Education Minister Arie Slob said in a press conference.

Slob said: ‘It has become clear that it was impossible for many schools to remain open, as many teachers were already sick at home and because of safety risks.



‘Therefore we have decided to close all schools and daycare centres.’

The Government asked the country’s 17 million residents to keep their distance when leaving the house.

Slob added: ‘Do not hoard, it’s not necessary there is enough to go around.’

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte (Picture: Getty)

Prime Minister Mark Rutte’s Cabinet had initially resisted closing schools but changed course after coming under pressure from educators and medical specialists.

A letter sent to parents in Amsterdam said Dutch medical professionals had recommended schools be closed and plans were being drawn up in the event the closures would last longer.

Healthcare Minister Bruno Bruins said additional measures were likely.

He said: ‘I am certain these will not be our last measures, the situation keeps developing very rapidly and we will keep deciding on further measures based on the knowledge of experts.

‘I cannot speculate on what measures these will be, but it is clear that more will follow.’

Rutte was scheduled to address the nation on Monday evening to explain the unprecedented measures.

All saunas, sex clubs, sport schools and marijuana coffee shops were also ordered to close at 6pm (5pm GMT) Sunday evening.

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