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** This article is frequently updated with the latest developments.
On 23 September, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) moved the organisation of European countries with “worrying trends” to Belgium because it faces a moderate threat from COVID-19.
However, Belgium is ending the requirement to wear an outdoor mask and reducing other people’s time to isolate themselves, in a slight easing of the coronavirus restrictions announced on 23 September despite a sharp increase in the number of COVID-19 infections.
Masks must be used in shops, cinemas, public transport and busy streets.
A long-term coloring plan for the country?
At its meeting on 23 September, the Belgian National Security Council will discuss a long-term colour-code plan and the adjustment of “social bubbles”.
Experts advising the National Security Council have reportedly recommended a color-coded formula for which it is in position in Ireland, where it has all 4 colors blue, yellow, orange and red, depending on the “threat level” of the coronavirus.
These are a series of parameters, such as the number of infections compatible with 100,000 inhabitants, the number of hospitalizations and the number of COVID-19 patients in resuscitation.
Also on the table is a so-called “budget contact” that would allow a color code for the number of other people one may be in contact with, thus reformulating the existing measure prohibiting meetings to more than five.
Meanwhile, travelers from Amsterdam, Vienna and Budapest, as well as the provinces of France and Croatia, will arrive from the so-called “red zones” from four o’clock in the afternoon. 18 September, according to the latest update of the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
As a result, the country will no longer allow them to be not essential to these areas, and control and quarantine will be mandatory upon return.
PM calls on Belgians to comply with COVID-19 measures
Prime Minister Sophie Wilms (MR) on Tuesday about the Belgians in a video message to comply with existing COVID-19 restrictions.
In particular, it’s about maintaining social distance, wearing an oral mask, and restricting social contact.
He said the most recent figures were “alarming,” but that more difficult action would be taken at this time. However, he suggested that everyone assume duty and respect regulations “before it is too late. “
Fear of the “mini” wave
Belgium is about to launch the “mini” wave of summer coronavirus moment, which can still be contained if the government takes appropriate action, Yves Van Laethem of the Sciensano Institute of Public Health told RTBF.
“We are in a dynamic that shows that we are on the threshold of the moment of the mini wave of summer,” he added.
On average, another 680 people a day tested positive in Belgium in the week of 7-13 September, according to the most recent Sciensano figures presented on Monday.
According to the figures, the trend of new infections is consistent with the day 2% rose to 2% between and 10 September.
Color-coded systems require greater coordination
Differences in color-coded threat systems between Belgium and France are “extremely confusing,” warned West Flanders province governor Carl Decaluwé, and suggested that EU countries coordinate.
Decaluwé’s comments come at a time when France’s border towns are involved in COVID-19 infections on both sides and the movement of others across their borders.
“We can’t do much right now,” Decaluwé told VRT, adding that “as long as the region stays orange, we can’t take any additional action.
Earlier this month, the European Commission proposed a set of recommendations to avoid discriminatory measures implemented across member states in a new attempt to harmonize fragmented COVID-19 restrictions across the bloc.
Police measures
Since 1 July, local Brussels police have issued a total of 1,537 minutes to dress in an oral mask in public, according to figures presented through the mayor of Brussels, Philippe Close.
Due to the beginning of a wave of moments, the costumes of the mask have gradually become mandatory in more positions and since 12 August in the Brussels region.
Meanwhile, press meetings at the Belgian crisis center will be reduced from 3 to one according to the week, Yves Stevens from the National Crisis Center told the Belgian news agency, while the coronavirus figures have been solid in recent weeks.
“We continue to report the figures on one basis, however, the performance that lasts 3 times a week at a press conference will now only take a stand once a week, on Wednesdays,” he said.
Open Vld leader Egbert Lachaert, who lately is exploring features for potential coalition governments for a new federal government, tested positive for COVID-19 on September 8, meaning that everyone who participated in the negotiations, and his assistants, will have to check COVID-19, adding To King Philip.
Vaccines imaginable until March
In the spring, Belgium can expect its first batch of COVID-19 vaccines, xavier De Cuyper, Director-General of the Belgian Medicines Agency (AFMPS), said on 2 September.
However, the country will face the difficult selection of opting for the first people to be emphed, De Cuyper added. “Based on all the data I have, I dare say that in March 2021, we may have a vaccine opposed to COVID-19 in Belgium. It’s a realistic deadline,” De Cuyper told Het Laatste Nieuws.
“A first European delivery will involve 50 million doses. Belgium will get about 1. 2 million,” he told the newspaper.
Each country will have to make possible options for the first people to be empused. “It will be a complicated discussion. There will be a lot of tension in all sectors,” De Cuyper said.
On Monday (31 August) a Belgian government assignment was introduced to bring domestic tourism to life, with programmes for loose train passes even though everything opened after a delay of a few months.
The launch of the COVID-19 national monitoring app was postponed for a week as developers are awaiting an EU opinion, Karin Moykens of the Interfederal Testing Committee showed
Previously, other people landing at Brussels airport returning from a “red zone” will be tested at the site “from the end of this week or the beginning of the next one,” le Soir reports.
“The tests will be analyzed in the cellular lab which will cause the effects to be had in a few hours,” brussels airport said on its website.
The communication added that the verification center will also be available to passengers from countries requiring negative COVID-19 control upon entry. Research is underway to expand the same type of service (at least around the corner) at Charleroi Airport, according to RTBF.
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