Authorities will also let parks, zoos, gyms and outdoor swimming pools reopen on Wednesday, after the rollout of COVID-19 vaccinations eased pressure on hospitals, the minister told reporters.
Sex workers protested in Amsterdam in March, saying they were being discriminated against as the authorities allowed other "contact businesses" including hairdressers and masseurs to reopen. De Jonge said vaccination and infection levels had now reached a point where the government could go ahead with plans for a measured easing of restrictions.
"This a responsible step at this moment, but we have to stay very careful", De Jonge told reporters, referring to the broader relaxation.Coronavirus infections in the Netherlands have dropped by more than a quarter this month, after climbing to their highest levels of the year in April.