Sex clubs of Amsterdam’s “Red Light” district have been told to close down, following the imposition of restrictions by the Dutch authorities aimed at suppressing the spread of coronavirus. Pictures of long lines outside of marijuana-selling coffee shops emerged online on Sunday.
— Charlotte McDonald-Gibson (@cmcdonaldgibson) March 15, 2020
The Casa Rosso, Peepshow, Banana Bar, and Erotic Museum are among the adult entertainment spaces which flank the capital's historic canals which have confirmed that they have closed.
“In the interest of the health of staff and guests, the management no longer considers it responsible to stay open”, said a statement from de Otten Groep, a company which runs numerous clubs in the area, Amsterdam’s Het Parool newspaper reported.
— Jon Sacks - Everybody Hates A Tourist (@HeyJonTheGo) March 15, 2020
The government's recently introduced measures include an order directing the Netherlands' famous bars which sell hashish and cannabis and strip clubs to stop serving customers at 1800 (1700 GMT) on Sunday, Health Minister Arie Slob said.
All restaurants, cafes and schools have been closed down until April 6.
The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the Netherlands rose by 278 to 1,413 on Monday and the death toll has risen to 24, according to the Dutch National Institute for Public Health (RIVM).
— Cristiano (@rihandaulah) March 15, 2020
The Dutch flower industry also signalled on the weekend that it is suffering huge losses due to cancelled orders around what is usually its busiest period.
Dutch Finance Minister Wopke Hoekstra vowed on Sunday to save national airline KLM as it faces declining revenue amid the introduction of restrictions on travel around the world and people being urged to stay home in order prevent the virus from spreading globally.
Amsterdam's Red Light district draws millions of tourists each year, known for its erotic dancing, adult clubs, brothels, and "window shopping" where sex workers present themselves in full view behind red-lit windows in lingerie.
