The decree should be published on Tuesday.
The Belgian authorities have decided to ban the entry into the country of travelers from India, Brazil and South Africa in order to stem the spread of local variants of the coronavirus.
"The transport of passengers by plane, train, boat and bus, including transit, from India, Brazil and South Africa to Belgium will be prohibited," said the services of Prime Minister Alexander From Croo.
Belgians who reside in these three countries can however return to Belgium, where they will have to submit to the testing and quarantine obligations.
In addition, the ban does not apply to certain professions either: transport trades, seafarers, diplomats or members of international organizations who can justify an urgent need to travel.
“The federal government is closely monitoring the development of the epidemiological situation.
Other consultations are planned at EU level, in particular with neighboring countries, with a view to achieving a coordinated approach ”, indicate the Prime Minister's services.
A desired European approach
In Europe, restrictions already exist for Brazilian and South African travelers, for example upon arrival in Spain. In addition, faced with the threat of the three variants, France set up a special protocol on Saturday for nationals of five countries (Brazil, India, South Africa, Argentina and Chile). The Directorate General of Health (DSG) has since issued new, more stringent instructions.
As of April 14, Belgium had pleaded for “a coordinated approach” at European level to the suspension of passenger air traffic with Brazil.
Last week was added a new cause for concern with the announcement of the detection in the country of about twenty Indian students positive for the Indian variant.
They had traveled in mid-April in the same bus from France, after landing at Paris airport at Roissy.
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According to the Belgian health authorities, the British variant is currently the most widespread in Belgium (nearly 86% of the strains in circulation).
Next come the Brazilian (4.9%) and South African (3.7%).