The current package of coronavirus measures, including 5pm closing for bars and restaurants, is set to continue into next year, ministers are reported to have decided on Sunday.

The decision was taken at a meeting of ministers and the government’s health experts at prime minister Mark Rutte’s official Catshuis residence on Sunday evening.

The decision, if confirmed at Tuesday’s press conference, means that non-essential shops, gyms and fitness centres will also have to remain closed from 5pm for several more weeks.

In addition, the recommendation that individual households welcome no more than four guests per day will remain in place – despite earlier pledges this would be lifted for Christmas Day, broadcaster NOS reported.

While the number of positive coronavirus tests reported to public health institute RIVM has gone down in recent days, hospital admissions remain high, and government advisors say it would not be wise to relax the measures yet.

In addition, much remains uncertain about the new Omicrom variant of coronavirus.

No decision has yet been taken about extending the school Christmas holidays further into January. The government’s Outbreak Management Team backs the move to stop the spread of coronavirus among younger children, but education minister Arie Slob is not in favour.