Belgium tightens COVID-19 measures as infections ‘explode’

By Agnes Szucs

BRUSSELS (AA) – The Belgian government decided Wednesday to tighten COVID-19 measures amid rapidly rising infections.

“The variant of the virus that we see today is three times more contagious than the original one. There is a red alarm. This is why we take extensive measures that everyone can follow to avoid a new lockdown,” Prime Minister Alexander De Croo told reporters following a COVID-19 consultative committee meeting.

As of Monday, working from home at least four days a week will be mandatory, with the exception of sectors that require the physical presence of workers.

People above the age of 10 will be required to wear a face mask while using public transport and entering restaurants and cultural and entertainment venues, as well as participating in indoor events with over 50 people and outdoor events with over 100 people.

Instead of masks, nightclubs and discos will have to demand a self-test at the entrance.

The government will also demand schools and workplaces to set up CO2 meters that monitor air quality.

“There is a real explosion in infections. We must intervene everywhere, and we have to do it strongly,” Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said at the news conference.

In explaining the situation, he said 15,224 new infections were recorded last Monday, while the number rose to 19,306 a week later.

The measures will be in force until Jan. 28, except for the rules on working from home, which may be scaled down to three days a week as of Dec. 12 if the epidemiological situation allows.