While shoppers hunt for a Black Friday bargain, the Dutch government faces a Code Black scenario in hospitals as coronavirus infections continue to spread. Unrest boils again in Dutch cities as bars are forced to shut early and stricter rules are mooted for unvaccinated people. The cabinet comes in for criticism for its mixed messages, ineffective measures and late start to the booster vaccine campaign. If all else fails for Hugo de Jonge, there’s good money to be made from busking on Sunday mornings, according to researchers from Tilburg university. Dutch football teams enjoy their best season in Europe for a decade and Feyenoord fans get a royal surprise on their way to Prague. And a security guard in Almere is led on a wild goose chase by the Netherlands’ most famous stuffed rabbit.

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Ophef of the week: Netherlands’ most famous gorilla catches coronavirus

Coronavirus news

Schools to stay open but cafes and theatres will close early, leaked reports say

Over 22,000 new coronavirus cases, IC occupancy reaches 530

Dutch health council recommends booster vaccines for over-18s

Council of state says ‘yo-yo’ pandemic strategy undermines compliance

Other news

Buskers earn better if they play classical music on cold Sunday mornings

Local parties win three out of four merger elections; CDA biggest in Boxmeer

Talking Nijntje bunny sends Flevoland police on a wild goose chase (RTL, Dutch)

Sport

Ajax make it five out of five in Champions League as Haller takes tally to nine

Three draws and a win put four Dutch clubs into European knock-out rounds

Verstappen content with damage limitation as championship lead shrinks