AMSTERDAM, April 21 (Reuters) - The Netherlands on Tuesday extended by three months a ban on major public events, including professional sports and music festivals, until Sept. 1, Prime Minister Mark Rutte said.

At the same time, Rutte said an “encouraging” slowing of the spread of the coronavirus would enable elementary schools and daycare centres to reopen in May.

Rutte said the limited easing of restrictive measures was necessary to prevent a strong resurgence of COVID-19. (Reporting by Anthony Deutsch Editing by Chris Reese)