Sighs of relief alternated with sharp intakes of breath this week, with coronavirus rules being relaxed just as the number of patients in hospital reached a four-month high. Minutes of cabinet meetings confirmed that ministers tried to stonewall MPs’ efforts to expose the child benefits scandal. Another critical report shed a light on the culture of bullying and abuse in the world of gymnastics. And a Dutchman’s dream of starting a new life in Belarus was scuppered when he was caught trying to cross the border from Lithuania on his bike.

Want to support the DutchNews podcast and keep our stocks of drop, gin and stroopwafels healthy? Click here to become a Patreon backer

Ophef of the week: Rutte’s dating video photobomb was not a deepfake, spokesman confirms (links to GeenStijl)

News

Coronavirus cases level off, highest concentration in Rotterdam

Curfew had no impact on infection rate, says intensive care chief

MPs cast doubt on compulsory quarantining plan

Ministers tried to block MPs who sought justice for child benefits scandal, documents show

Blasphemous artwork returns to Flevoland without diabolical moniker (Trouw)

Dutchman who tried to pedal into Belarus told to get on his bike

Sport

Ajax all but certain of league title with four games to spare

ADO win court order forcing absentee owner to pay €2m

Report finds bullying and abuse rife in world of gymnastics