Following Friday’s Consultative Committee meeting and the consequent press conference held, the latest relaxations of the current Covid-19 restrictions in Belgium have been announced. Covering both short and mid-term changes to restrictions, the relaxations effect hospitality, events, culture and youth activities as well as certain non-medical contact professions and shops. A notable announcement was that bar and restaurant terraces will reopen on 8 May.
1. From today
From today, non-medical contact professions such as hairdressers, nail bars and beauticians will be allowed to reopen, whilst shops selling non-essential goods will also be permitted to welcome back customers without the need for appointments.
2. From Saturday 8 May
If all goes to plan, bar and restaurant terraces and gardens will be allowed to reopen with the following conditions:
- Limited to four people per table, except if members of a family all living under the same roof exceed this (such as 2 parents and 3 children)
- Waiting staff must wear a face covering at all times
- Table service only, no bar or self-service
- Establishment must close at 10pm
3. May
The Consultative Committee confirmed an earlier decision to permit outdoor cultural events of up to 50 people in May, with a number of controlled test events to be held indoors
4. June
The Consultative Committer also confirmed an earlier decision that will see outdoor events for up to 200 people allowed in June, with indoor events of the same capacity allowed as long as no more than 75% of the venue’s capacity is filled (such as a concert hall, cultural centre or theatre). The June measures are also conditional; at least 80% of all the members of vulnerable groups must have been vaccinated against Covid-19 and there must be no more than 500 patients with the virus in Belgium’s ICU wards.
Regarding activities for young people the Consultative Committee announced that summer camps for young people can go ahead, including a stay overnight (or for several nights) at the camp destination. However the camps will be run according to the same conditions as last year, with camp bubbles of no more than 50 young people allowed.
