Belgium: Authorities announce easing of COVID-19 restrictions from May 10 /update 15

Event

Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes announced on Wednesday, May 6, that individuals in-country will be permitted to visit the homes of close friends and family from Sunday, May 10, following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions. However, visits must be limited to four people and social distancing measures practiced.

Additionally, the National Security Council confirmed that all shops will be allowed to reopen as on Monday, May 11, stating that hygiene rules should be adhered to and trips to the shops carried out alone.

On Wednesday, April 29, Brussels Airlines announced that it has extended its cancelation of all flights until Monday, June 1.

TUI Belgium, an international travel company, and its subsidiary TUI fly Belgium previously announced that all trips, including flights, are temporarily suspended until Sunday, June 7. The decision came after the National Security Council prohibited all nonessential trips abroad until Monday, June 8. Affected passengers will receive the option to rebook.

Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes announced previously that the current nationwide lockdown will be relaxed from Monday, May 4. People are now permitted to meet in open spaces with up to two individuals not living in their households, but are to observe social distancing rules. Certain businesses will also be allowed to reopen; however, the wearing of face masks will remain mandatory on public transport. From Monday, May 18, schools will be permitted to reopen with a maximum of ten students per classroom. Other establishments, such as bars, restaurants, and cafes, will only be allowed to reopen in June. The prime minister has stated that it is possible that restrictions will be reinstated if COVID-19 cases were to significantly increase during the easing of lockdown measures.

As of May 6, health authorities have confirmed 50,781 cases of COVID-19, including 8,339 associated deaths. Further spread of the virus is expected in the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and trouble breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:  

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.