Today, 26 November, the Belgian COVID Consultative Committee noted the rapidly deteriorating COVID situation in the country and decided to adopt a new set of winter measures which will limit the number of contacts. As ever, BBCA has the full details. 

The new decisions aim to slow the spread of the virus and making the workload in healthcare more manageable. These new measures will be (re)evaluated on 15 December.

1. Additional vaccinations

After the booster vaccine has been administered to vulnerable and specific target groups (65 years+, healthcare providers, people with immunodeficiency, people vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson vaccine etc.), the entire population should receive as soon as possible an additional booster vaccine dose.

The prime target is for citizens to receive a booster dose of the mRNA vaccine four months (Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca) or six months (Pfizer and Moderna) after their last (second) dose.

The Committee is requesting that the operational plan to achieve this is developed by 27 November and implemented as soon as possible, so that the capacity of the national vaccination campaign is rapidly and significantly increased and that as many people as possible are able to be vaccinated before Christmas.

Subject to the receipt of affirmative expert opinion a voluntary vaccination campaign to cover children aged 5 to 11 may also be launched.

2. Winter measures

Private meetings - Private meetings inside are prohibited, with the exception of weddings and funerals (the reception after the ceremony). These can be organized using the CST for up to 50 people indoors and 100 people outdoors. The terms and conditions applicable to the Horeca sector will apply, although dancing with a mask is permitted.

The above provision does not apply to meetings held in private homes. However, the Committee strongly encourages the use of self-tests when receiving guests at your home.

The use of the CST does not apply to private meetings organized at private homes, except when such events are catered with professional staff. If professional Horeca services are used, this service is also limited between 5 am and 11 pm, with the exception of weddings.

Horeca activities - The maximum number of people per table is limited to 6. However, a household can share a table, regardless of the size of that household. Only seats at the table are authorized and the hours of operation are limited and run from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Discos and dance halls must close.

Public events - Indoor public events: only seats are allowed, in accordance with the CST rule accompanied by the wearing of a mask. Outdoor public events: If the organizers do not respect social distancing rules and maintain a distance of 1.5 meters between each group, their event will be closed. The terms applicable in the hotel and catering sector are also valid for events.

The effective date of application of the measures concerning events organized by professionals is 29 November.

Trade fairs - The Committee confirms the obligation to wear a mask at trade shows. The federated entities will take the necessary regulatory provisions for a generalized use of the CST during these trade fairs.

Sports competition - Sports competitions organized indoors, both amateur and professional, can only take place without an audience. Participants up to the age of 18 may however be accompanied by their parents.

Schools education - The education ministers will put in place a set of measures covering: the obligation to wear a mask; air quality and improved ventilation; separation of class groups; tracing of high-risk contacts (tracing and screening); and extracurricular activities.

Youth activities - The Youth Ministers are invited to formulate, by 29 November at the latest, additional proposals on the restrictions and security measures to be observed during youth activities in indoor spaces, taking into account the epidemiological risks associated with the mixture of young people from different classes and schools.

Telework - The period during which workers can go to their place of work a maximum of once a week has been extended to 19 December from 12 December. The period from which workers will be able to return to their place of work at most twice a week begins on 20 December.

3. Compliance with measures

The police are responsible for intervening strictly if they find non-compliance with these measures. The competent ministers and mayors will be asked to transmit the necessary information in this area to their local police services.

4. Three instructions to help you stay safe

• Limit your contacts. Adapt your behaviour and exercise great caution, especially around vulnerable people. If you still want to see friends, it is best to do so outside.
• Use self-tests. If you still invite people to your home, take a self-test and wear a mask. To put the odds on your side. Self-tests are available in pharmacies and supermarkets.
• Ventilate. Make sure that the interior spaces are sufficiently ventilated. A habit to take which is healthy anyway, but even more so during these times of coronavirus circulation.