Schools. The Dutch government announced yesterday that kindergartens, infants schools and junior schools will reopen from Monday February 8th.

They do realise that this might increase new cases and that would have a knock on effect on hospitalisations and ICU numbers but the vaccinations are expected to counteract or better that figure. The risk is seen to be worthwhile and preferable to the further deterioration of children's mental health and physical and seksual abuse in the home.

The one change to last time the schools were open is that previously only pupils tested positive had to quarantine. This time, if a child tests positive, the whole class, their family and the teacher and his/her family all isolate for 5 days.

Secondary schools and colleges/universities remain closed for now.