KEPT APART

Dutch PM Mark Rutte couldn’t see his dying mum because he followed corona rules on visiting care homes

THE Dutch PM couldn’t visit his dying mum because he followed coronavirus rules about going into care homes.

Mark Rutte’s 96-year-old mum Mieke Rutte-Dilling passed away two weeks ago on May 13.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

His mother didn’t have coronavirus herself, but others in the nursing home where she lived were infected.

And authorities were desperate to stop the killer bug spreading through facilities packed with people in at-risk groups.

The PM’s office said: "The prime minister complied with all the coronavirus restriction measures and didn’t visit his mother for (more than eight) weeks.

"However, the restriction measures leave room to say goodbye to a dying family member during the very last phase and the PM stayed with his mother during her last night."

'GREAT SADNESS'

Mr Rutte paid heartfelt tribute to his beloved mum in an emotional statement.

He said: "In addition to the great sadness and all fond memories, my family and I also have a feeling of gratitude that we were allowed to have her with us for so long.

"We have now said goodbye to her in a family circle and hope to be able to deal with this great loss in peace in the near future."

The news came after Boris Johnson's top adviser Dominic Cummings was criticised for his decision to drive 250 miles to visit his parents during lockdown.

The revelation sparked a flurry of public anger in the UK, and condemnation from some MPs who called for him to resign.

But Cummings insists he did not break any rules.

He said he had no choice but to travel to Durham because he and his wife were suffering coronavirus symptoms and needed his parents to help look after his young son.

Mr Johnson has stood by his aide and refused to sack him.