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Long Queues Form Outside Amsterdam's Coffee Shops As Government Announces Closures

Long Queues Form Outside Amsterdam's Coffee Shops As Government Announces Closures

Coffee shops, bars and restaurants have been told to close to help slow down the spread of the coronavirus

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

Photos show long queues outside Amsterdam's weed-flogging coffee shops after a government announcement that they would have to close due to the coronavirus outbreak.

Coffee shops, bars, restaurants and clubs have all been told to shut up shop to try and stop the spread of the virus, prompting some residents to rush out to stock up.

Dutch officials said the closures are likely to last until at least 6 April.

PA

Health Care Minister Bruno Bruins specifically pointed out that the city's famous coffee shops would be included in the closures.

He also warned residents that more measures may be introduced in the coming days and weeks.

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."

The announcement has prompted many people to stock up on some supplies before the closures take place.

One woman told Associated Press: "I don't smoke much, but I thought if I have to sit inside for three weeks."

PA

Another resident told AP she 'rushed out after watching a live-stream of a government press conference announcing the new restrictions'.

Education Minister Arie Slob announced that all schools would also be closed.

He 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."

He also urged people not to stock pile groceries, adding: "Do not hoard, it's not necessary there is enough to go around."

Official figures from the Netherlands released on Sunday show there have been 1,135 confirmed coronavirus cases and 20 deaths.

It's okay to not panic. LADbible and UNILAD's aim with our campaign, Cutting Through, is to provide our community with facts and stories from the people who are either qualified to comment or have experienced first-hand the situation we're facing. For more information from the World Health Organisation on Coronavirus, click here.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: World News, coronavirus