Belgium: Authorities to ban nonessential travel Jan. 27-March 1 and tighten quarantine protocols for some countries from Jan. 25 /update 28

Event

Authorities in Belgium have announced tightened international travel restrictions from Jan. 27 and new quarantine protocols for certain travelers from Jan. 25, to combat the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Previously announced domestic measures remain unchanged.

International Travel
Effective Jan. 27-March 1, authorities will ban all nonessential travel to and from Belgium; the measures will apply to all road, air, sea, and rail traffic. Exceptions to the new travel ban will include travel for compelling family reasons, humanitarian reasons, study purposes, travel related to the daily life of cross-border workers, professional reasons, and other emergency reasons such as animal care, emergency vehicle repairs, and moving. As before, all arrivals staying in Belgium for more than 48 hours are required to fill in a Passenger Locator Form within 48 hours before arrival.

Ahead of Jan. 27, travel is permitted with EU and Schengen Area countries, as well as Australia, New Zealand, Rwanda, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand, though in many cases travel is strongly discouraged. Nonessential travel from all other locations is already prohibited. Additionally, travel with designated red zone countries based on COVID-19 activity is either strongly discouraged or prohibited; however, in some instances, including Australia and New Zealand, nations have been designated red zones because they do not allow travelers from Belgium. As of Jan. 23, most countries and territories worldwide are currently designated red zones except for France, Greece, Iceland, Norway, Rwanda, South Korea, Spain, and Thailand.

Effective Jan. 25, Belgian officials will also enforce additional quarantine protocols for arrivals from the UK, South Africa, and South America. Travelers from these regions will be required to complete a 10-day quarantine and carry out a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test on the first and seventh day of the quarantine. Other entry requirements remain, though nonresidents will be required to also be tested for COVID-19 on arrival. All individuals arriving in Belgium having spent 48 hours or more in a red zone must self-isolate on arrival and may only leave self-isolation following a negative result for a COVID-19 test taken no less than seven days after arrival. The quarantine period for those who test positive for COVID-19 has been increased from seven to 10 days. Additionally, nonresidents having spent 48 hours in a red zone must present proof of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival before entering the country, and will be tested again on arrival, while residents may instead take a test on arrival; exceptions apply to cross-border commuters.

Domestic Measures
Previously announced measures will remain in place Until March 1 amid consistently high rates of infection. A 0000-0500 curfew remains in place in Flanders; curfews in Brussels and Wallonia are 2200-0600. Residents may not leave their homes during curfew hours, except for essential purposes such as seeking medical help or performing essential work duties. Additionally, the following domestic restrictions remain in place:

Some nonessential stores, including hairdressers, beauticians, and other close contact services are closed.
Adults may only shop individually or in the company of dependents.
Catering establishments are closed except for deliveries and takeaways, which are permitted until 2200.
Selling alcohol after 2000 is prohibited.
Facemasks must be worn on public transport and in enclosed spaces and busy outdoor areas as defined by local authorities.
Public gatherings are limited to four people.
Working from home remains mandatory wherever possible.
Individuals are only allowed close contact (no social distancing required) with one person they do not live with per month; each household may host one close contact per month; people who live alone are allowed two close contacts.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.