With most coronavirus regulations lifted, in March the Netherlands was in the grip of a major flu epidemic – or a delayed epidemic as virologists put it.

The last of the coronavirus rules – wearing face masks on public transport – was also dropped.

Winter returned with a vengeance bringing snow and sleet at the end of the month, while tulip growers warned tourists to keep out of their fields.

The government also reached agreement on providing financial support for thousands of refugees from Ukraine who had begun arriving in the Netherlands, and to scrap work permit requirements.

The story of Greek-Australian Apostolos Dimas (52), who ended up homeless, was our best read feature of the month.