From today, Wednesday, and for at least a month, close social contact is only allowed with five people on top of their own household, with the exception of children under 12. In addition, stricter rules now apply to those who go shopping and events are restricted.
The number of corona infections in our country has been going the wrong way for weeks, so the National Security Council intervened for the second time in a week on Monday. After a week earlier, among other things, the mouth mask obligation was expanded considerably, as of today, Wednesday, a whole series of strictures will start again.
The most striking is the social bubble. Until now, it was allowed to count fifteen people per week, and that per individual. From now on, households must limit close contacts to five permanent persons, although children under the age of 12 are not included in that calculation. The rules also apply per family, not per person, and must be observed for at least a month. They are also recurring: those who commit to each other keep the same bubble.
In addition, a new restriction has been imposed for all meetings, such as receptions or restaurant dinners. There should never be more than ten people present – again with the exception of children under the age of 12 – and the distance rules must always be respected. It is not mandatory to wear a mouth mask, but it is safer.
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Also the events have to screw back. The maximum number of visitors is halved, to 100 people inside and 200 outside. A mouth mask is also mandatory.
Shop only happens again from Wednesday, with the exception of minors or people who need help. Fun shopping is also out of the question: shopping, just as during the lockdown, was no longer than 30 minutes, unless by appointment.
To work we have to do it from home more often. Although telework was always advised, the experts noted that the follow-up was less successful in recent weeks. That is why the Security Council decided to “work as strongly as possible” again.
Finally, more businesses should start today contact information questions to customers. In addition to the catering industry, wellness centers, swimming pools, casinos, gaming rooms, theaters, cinemas, organizers of group sports lessons and conference and banquet rooms must also adhere to this rule.
More rules in Antwerp
The rules are even stricter for residents of the province of Antwerp. There, Governor Cathy Berx decided on Monday evening to introduce a curfew between 11:30 p.m. and 6 a.m., to close the restaurant from 11 p.m., and to ban contact sports. In addition, masks are mandatory on the entire public domain of the province, as well as in places where a meter and a half distance cannot be guaranteed.
Even stricter rules apply to the inhabitants of the worst affected areas. There, for example, fitness centers close and events and parties are prohibited. All Antwerp rules take effect when the provincial decree is published.
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