The Dutch government says it is imposing a tough nationwide lockdown starting Sunday in an attempt to rein in sharply rising levels of infections with the Omicron coronavirus mutation, reports AP.

"The Netherlands is going into lockdown again from tomorrow," caretaker Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

He said the move was unavoidable because of the fifth wave caused by the Omicron variant that "is bearing down on us".

Rutte did not immediately outline the terms of the new lockdown but said it will build on a partial lockdown already in force that requires bars, restaurants and other public gathering places such as cinemas and theatres to close at 5pm.