Non-essential shops, bars, gyms, hairdressers and other public venues are closed until at least 14 January. Two guests per household will be allowed - four over the holidays, reports BBC.

Prime Minister Mark Rutte described the measure as 'unavoidable'.

Countries across Europe are tightening measures as the Omicron variant is slowly spreading across the country.

"I stand here tonight in a sombre mood. And a lot of people watching will feel that way too," Rutte told a news conference on Saturday as quoted by BBC.

"To sum it up in one sentence, the Netherlands will go back into lockdown from tomorrow," the PM said.