On Friday, March 5th, the meeting of Belgium’s Consultative Committee determined that outdoor gatherings of 10 people will be allowed as of March 8th. In-class attendance will be allowed for primary and secondary schools after Easter. In April, the culture sector will be able to restart activities outside. In May, it is foreseen that some indoor activities might restart: hospitality, culture, home care, events, and fitness, among others.
According to Belgian news outlet Le Soir, the Consultative Committee agreed to give priority to youth, education and outdoor activities.
The opening up of the economy and society will depend on the progress of the vaccination campaign.
Belgium’s Consultative Committee
1. March
Unless the contagion cases explode, as of March 8th the number of people allowed to gather outdoors will increase from 4 to 10, provided that social distances are respected and that masks are worn, which is mandatory. Up to fifty people will be able to attend the funeral, with a space of 10 square meters for each.
From March 15th: The organization of after-school activities, such as excursions, field days, and one-day events will be allowed as of March 15th. There will be 20% attendance in higher education and 100% attendance for “more vulnerable groups” such as special education and part-time vocational education. 100% attendance in primary and secondary education after Easter.
2. April
Non-professional sports training will be allowed. Youth camps with a maximum of 25 children (under 13 years old); sports and associative activities (must be outdoors) with a maximum of 10 people and 25 people for children under 13; cultural activities, events, and worship services, with a maximum of 50 people, wearing the mandatory mask and respect for social distancing; amusement parks, always respecting the safety measures.
Dans un premier temps, le Comité de concertation entend surtout donner la priorité à l'enseignement, aux jeunes et aux activités de plein air. Sécurité et responsabilité.
— Alexander De Croo 🇧🇪🇪🇺 (@alexanderdecroo) March 5, 2021
Continuez à limiter le plus possible vos contacts à l'intérieur. pic.twitter.com/31vo5xkWNW
3. May
Social distancing and the wearing of masks will continue. Provided that “rapid tests” continue to help determine any increase in the number of infections, some further indoor activities will be allowed: hotels and restaurants, shopping, culture and events, fitness rooms, worship services, youth activities, and associations. The number of social contacts will be thus revised at that stage. Flea markets, annual markets, fairs, increased restoration activities, culture and events, will also see a green light.
