Dutch ditch social distancing, mandate COVID-19 passes

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The Dutch government says social distancing will end in the Netherlands on Sept. 25. That’s the same date the Dutch government will begin mandating COVID-19 passes to get into venues like bars, restaurants and theaters. Caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced the changes Tuesday. The changes ends social distancing measures that have been in place for the past 18 months. But it goes hand-in-hand with the use of passes showing that people have been fully vaccinated, have just tested negative or have recently recovered from COVID-19. Earlier Tuesday, the Dutch government’s medical advisory body said a third booster vaccine shot should be given “with high priority” to people with seriously compromised immune systems.