Dutch resort to creative ways to dodge curfew, borrow dogs and buy delivery uniforms

From Saturday, a nightly curfew to try and curb the pandemic starting at 21:00 (20:00 GMT) and running until 04:30 will be imposed, the first nationwide curfew since World War Two.

Fears of being cooped up during a curfew have led the Dutch to resort to creative ways to dodge the rules, with people signing up for borrow-a-dog services and ordering the uniforms of home delivery companies.

FILE PHOTO: An Uber Eats food delivery courier's backpack is seen in front of a fast-food restaurant as the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Amsterdam, Netherlands.(REUTERS)

From Saturday, a nightly curfew to try and curb the pandemic starting at 21:00 (20:00 GMT) and running until 04:30 will be imposed, the first nationwide curfew since World War Two.

Exceptions will be made for essential services, including takeaway meal delivery, package couriers and those who need to take pets outdoors for walks.

A website matching those needing help with their pets with volunteers for dog walking has been overwhelmed with offers.

"We normally get 10 offers a week and since they announced plans for a curfew on Tuesday we have received 300," said Jos van Prooijen, who runs not-for-profit website.

Online market place froze sales of jackets and clothing of well known delivery companies in response to soaring demand, newspaper Algemeen Dagblad reported.