The Netherlands is entering a strict lockdown: Will the UK follow suit?

Breaking news from The Netherlands: the government has announced a strict lockdown to combat a significant rise in the new COVID-19 omicron variant. Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated during an urgent news conference, "I address you tonight with a heavy heart... The Netherlands will return to lockdown starting tomorrow," emphasizing that the new measures were "inescapable."

Reports indicate that both the U.K. and France are contemplating new restrictions as the variant continues to spread across Europe and the U.K. France has already cancelled all major public celebrations and fireworks for New Year's Eve.

Beginning Sunday, December 19, new regulations will be enforced, closing non-essential shops until mid-January. Schools, bars, restaurants, and various public venues will also be shut down.

Residents are urged to remain at home as much as possible. Strict rules regarding gatherings are also in place, allowing only two guests into homes (excluding those under 13). Exceptions will apply on December 24-26 and New Year's Eve, when the guest limit increases to four.

Omicron is projected to become the leading variant in the Netherlands during the holiday season.

The United Kingdom is also contemplating a lockdown.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that the U.K. is considering a lockdown among other strategies.

As per the Financial Times, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson was presented with various plans yesterday, with a full lockdown reportedly being one of the possibilities.

Additionally, there is a proposal for a "circuit breaker" that would prohibit indoor gatherings for two weeks following Christmas, according to the U.K.'s Times newspaper.

Johnson has stated that he does not wish to "shut things down" again.

Just yesterday, the U.K. reported over 90,000 new coronavirus cases as the omicron variant spreads rapidly.

Current travel restrictions for American visitors

As of this publication, Americans can still travel to the Netherlands if they are fully vaccinated or meet one of the EU Entry Ban Exemption Categories.

Restrictions in the Netherlands have evolved over the year. During the summer, U.S. travelers were permitted to travel with fewer restrictions. However, in September, the Netherlands changed its stance on quarantine requirements.

The U.S. State Department has issued an advisory for the Netherlands at Level 4: Do Not Travel, while the CDC rates the country at Level 4: Very High Level of COVID-19.