As the nation prepares to emerge from lockdown, hand stitched face masks at the ready, we examine the government’s plans in detail. Libraries, acupuncturists, sex clubs and campsite toilets all featured in Mark Rutte’s schedule as Dutch society slowly returns to normal. Coronavirus also gave this year’s ceremonies to commemorate the end of the war an even more sombre atmosphere than usual. While the humans are staying home, the animals have been getting busy, increasing the population of the Netherlands’ zoos by two. In the absence of regular politics, fringe parties Denk and 50Plus maintained interest by hitting the self-destruct button simultaneously. And don’t miss this week’s ophef featuring a murdered politician, a discredited psychic and an invisible MP discussing 5G and climate change.

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Coronavirus news

Netherlands sets out plan to emerge from lockdown if numbers stay down

Face masks, testing and outdoor cafes – what the 1.5 metre society means in practice

One in four museums face closure without more government support

Anne Frank House appeals for public support 60 years after opening

Other news

Henk Krol leaves 50Plus to form new party, accused of ‘seat snatching’

Denk expel MP Farid Azarkan from party for ‘open rebellion’

Anti-5G activists go to court in bid to stop network roll-out

King’s Remembrance Day speech focuses on persecution of Jews

Baby panda born in zoo after four-month pregnancy

Dolphin who swam into Amsterdam follows sailing boat back out to sea

Sport

Dutch footballers agree to take pay cut of up to 20%

Ronald Koeman recovering after emergency heart procedure