Covid-19: mask from 6 years old, advanced school holidays, limited gatherings ... Belgium is tightening the screw

The Belgian government wants to "correct the situation".

During a press conference organized this Friday afternoon, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announced a series of new restrictive measures to try to stem the current wave of coronavirus in Belgium.

"These are difficult weeks that we are going through," Prime Minister Alexander De Croo stressed at the press conference, RTL reports.

“This fall wave we are facing is much heavier than we thought.

Contamination rates are among the highest in Europe.

This pressure had become untenable.

"

The head of government thus announced the installation of the compulsory mask for all from 6 years old.

Children, the vector of the epidemic's spread, are also making changes to their school schedule.

While primary school students were to have classes until December 24, they will be on leave from December 18.

One week earlier than the original schedule.

In addition, all the classes where two positive cases will be detected will have to close, with a minimum reception for parents without a childcare solution, explains Le Soir.

All rooms will be equipped with a CO2 detector which will allow you to know when to ventilate.

Bars and restaurants remain open in the evening

For secondary school students, the lessons will be organized in hybrid form, with a maximum of 50% face-to-face teaching until the Christmas holidays.

From Monday, indoor events will be limited to a maximum of 200 people, the public will have to be seated and wear the mask.

The rule will apply in particular to cinemas or conferences.

Indoor sports activities will still be authorized, but without an audience.

Outdoor events, such as football matches, can be held without limit on the number of people.

Belgium had already tightened its restrictions on November 26, forcing nightclubs to close and encouraging the population to limit their contacts and indoor activities as much as possible.

Read also Covid-19: the government wants to allow "the French to spend Christmas together", assures Gabriel Attal

On the other hand, while experts recommended an early closure of bars and restaurants (8 p.m.), the government decided to maintain their possibility of opening until 11 p.m.

Customers must always be seated and per table of six maximum.

Belgium, which has 11 million inhabitants, has recorded on average more than 17,800 daily infections with Covid-19 over the last seven days as well as 44 deaths.

Around 800 people, suffering from severe forms, are hospitalized in intensive care across the country, leading to saturation of the health system and the postponement of many treatments for other pathologies.