Coronavirus infections in the Netherlands surged eightfold to their highest levels in a year after restrictions in nightclubs were lifted.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte apologised after conceding that the restrictions had been lifted too soon as some curbs were reimposed on bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
Clubs had been allowed to open from June 25 after the government there decided to go ahead with the fourth phase of re-opening the country. Phase three had happened two weeks before, which saw cafes, bars, and restaurants open for service indoors, as well as home visitor numbers increase.
Read more: The big decisions the Welsh Government needs to make as England plans Freedom Day on July 19
The spike in infections since has not led to a notable increase of coronavirus hospital admissions. But Health Minister Hugo de Jonge warned that this could be threatened by the current "unprecedented" increase in infections.
The government has also cancelled all multi-day festivals and events with large crowds until August 14.
"What we thought would be possible, turned out not to be possible in practice," Rutte told reporters on Monday. "We had poor judgement, which we regret and for which we apologise."
This graph from Sky News shows the surge in cases:
Mr Rutte's apology marked a sharp turn from his stance on Friday, when he repeatedly defended the earlier easing of restrictions as a "logical step" and refused to take any blame for possible mismanagement by his government.
It comes around the same time Prime Minister Boris Johnson was announcing that coronavirus restrictions would be eased across England on July 19 - the day being hailed as Freedom Day. Recap on what Boris said here.
Under the plans, social distancing measures will now cease in many areas and businesses, including nightclubs, will now be able to open as normal.
The latest review of restrictions in Wales will be announced on Wednesday (July 14), but First Minister Mark Drakeford remains cautious.
After England's announcement on Monday (July 12), he warned: "Please note that any changes announced by Boris Johnson apply to England only - decisions on Covid rules for Wales are made in Wales. We are reviewing Covid regulations and will set out any changes to the existing restrictions on Wednesday."
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