The new measures, which take effect tomorrow, were designed to face an autumn wave of infections “much stronger than expected,” warn health authorities.
Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke, in favor of even stricter measures, declared himself “disappointed” by the decision taken on the basis of recommendations from a consultation committee.
Vandenbroucke noted that the upward progression appears to be slowing down in recent days, but warned that the situation is far from under control.
De Croo, for his part, warned that four out of ten beds in Intensive Care Units are occupied with patients with severe forms of Covid-19 and this influences the delay of treatments for other patients.
Consequently, the Christmas holidays for kindergarten and primary education will begin on December 18, a week earlier than originally determined, a measure that responds to an increase in cases among children.
The Government also determined that in places where the use of a chinstrap is mandatory (such as public transport or schools), this will apply to children from six years of age.
In secondary education, the courses will be organized in a hybrid way, with a maximum of 50% face-to-face teaching until the Christmas holidays.
Starting Monday, indoor events will be limited to a maximum of 200 people, and in those cases the audience must be seated and wearing a mask.
Sports activities in closed environments will continue to be authorized, but without an audience.
Belgium had already tightened its restrictions on November 26, forcing nightclubs to close and encouraging the population to limit their contacts and activities indoors as much as possible.
The measures affecting cafes and restaurants remain unchanged, and those establishments will continue to close their doors at 11 p.m. In any case, all customers must be seated, with a maximum of six people per table.
The obligation to telecommute four days a week is also in force.
Source From: Ambito
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