Dutch lockdown extended as virus variants gain strongly

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has extended almost all of his country’s tough lockdown measures for at least a month, saying that the rapid spread of the new more transmissible variant made the decision unavoidable. Rutte said Tuesday that a curfew imposed 10 days ago that triggered widespread rioting in its first days will remain in force. He said the government will weigh up the lockdown options again early next week. The premier spoke hours after the