After almost four weeks in lockdown, the Netherlands is expected to relax COVID-19 measures, according to media reports.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Health Minister, Ernst Kuipers, plan to host a news conference late Friday after taking a decision on the matter.
According to the reports, shops and universities will be allowed to reopen under certain circumstances from Saturday, while fitness studios and hairdressers will also be allowed to welcome customers again.
Restaurants and cultural establishments, however, will remain closed.
The Dutch government is under immense pressure as opposition to the lockdown grows.
At the same time, new COVID-19 infections are reaching record levels every day.
The Netherlands is currently the only country in Europe under a hard lockdown. (dpa/NAN)
