Countries across Europe have imposed strict lockdown restrictions in recent weeks in a bid to stop the spread of Omicron.
The Netherlands is the latest country on the continent to impose a national lockdown which will come into force from Sunday.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said the measures were "unavoidable" in an announcement earlier today.
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Under the rules, schools, universities, and all non-essential stores, bars and restaurants in the Netherlands will be closed from December 19 until January 14.
Residents only will be permitted two visitors except for Christmas and New Year's, when four will be allowed.
Mr Rutte said: "The Netherlands is going into lockdown again from tomorrow," adding that the move was "unavoidable because of the fifth wave caused by the Omicron variant that is bearing down on us".
Before the Dutch announcement, alarmed ministers in France, Cyprus and Austria tightened travel restrictions.
The French government imposed a ban on all UK tourists travelling to the country from Friday whether vaccinated or not.
Those entering the country for 'an essential reason' will have to quarantine on arrival.
Paris also cancelled its New Year's Eve fireworks amid a rise in cases of the Omicron variant.
Denmark closed theatres, concert halls, amusement parks and museums.
Ireland imposed an 8pm curfew on pubs and bars and limited attendance at indoor and outdoor events.
The World Health Organisation reported on Saturday that the Omicron variant of the coronavirus has been detected in 89 countries, and Covid-19 cases involving the variant are doubling every 1.5 to 3 days in places with community transmission and not just infections acquired abroad.
Major questions about Omicron remain unanswered, including how effective existing Covid-19 vaccines are against it and whether the variant produces severe illness in many infected individuals, the WHO noted.
Yet Omicron's "substantial growth advantage" over the Delta variant means it is likely to soon overtake Delta as the dominant form of the virus in countries where the new variant is spreading locally, the UN health agency said.
In the Netherlands, anticipation a government meeting on Saturday would result in tougher restrictions caused shoppers to swarm commercial areas of Dutch cities, fearing it would be their last chance to buy Christmas gifts.
Rotterdam municipality tweeted that it was "too busy in the centre" of the port city and told people: "Don't come to the city."
Amsterdam also warned that the city's main shopping street was busy and urged people to stick to coronavirus rules.
The UK recorded a record number of covid infections on Friday of over 90,000 cases.
Earlier today it was reported by that officials are 'drawing up plans' for two-weeks of tougher restrictions in England which would include a ban on indoor mixing except for work purposes.
The proposals would see England return to restrictions last seen in April but Boris Johnson is yet to approve the plans and insisted yesterday he was not 'closing things down'.
