Eleven months, eight resignations and more than 8,000 coronavirus deaths since the Dutch government resigned, a new cabinet looks set to take office just in time for the Christmas recess. Schools will not be finishing early for the holidays, however, despite the threat of the Omicron variant and the advice of the Outbreak Management Team. The booster campaign picks up speed as the EU decides that covid passports will expire after 9 months for people who have only had two jabs. Princess Amalia takes up her seat on the Raad van State and plants a tree on her first royal outing. And the Formula One season heads for a dramatic climax, or possibly a dramatic Max crash.

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Ophef of the week: Will antivaxxers promote ‘prikspijt’ to word of the year?

Coronavirus news

Corona leaks promise more guests at the dinner table but measures will continue

No change in coronavirus patient numbers as positive test rate rises again

All over-60s should have booster vaccine as soon as possible, says care chief

Most people want booster vaccine but one in 10 are not keen

Approval for government’s coronavirus strategy drops to record low level

Other news

New government nears completion, ministers to be appointed next week

Schiphol Airport may have to cut flights to meet environmental targets

Princess Amalia addresses Raad van State after turning 18

New study of Night Watch reveals preliminary sketches under the painting

Dutch state shells out €150m for a Rembrandt but not everyone is happy

Sport

Ajax complete 100% record in Champions League with 4-2 win over Sporting

Dutch clubs flying high in Europe with three wins and a defeat this week

King will not attend Winter Olympics in Beijing because of coronavirus

Bonus sport: the very Dutch scandal ripping up stumps in the cricketing world (from emergingcricket.com)