COVID-19 restrictions in the Brussels-Capital Region have been updated/ increased following a meeting of the Crisis Cell on 26 September.

The following measures have been announced for the Brussels-Capital Region that will come into force on Thursday 1 October, apart from those affecting closing times, which are implemented immediately from today (Monday 28 September), and will last for at least the next three weeks.

• Cafes and bars (but not restaurants) must close at 23h00.
• Ban on gatherings of more than 10 people between 23h00 and 06h00. Controls will be tightened to ensure compliance.
• Bookstores with a play/games area and any other shop selling food or drinks must close at 22h00, following the same rule that already applies to night shops.
• No food may be consumed at street markets.
• The obligation to wear a mask outdoors is lifted generally (but see the points below), however each person must carry a face mask on their person at all times .
• Wearing a mask will become mandatory outdoors in crowded zones from October 1. These 'crowded zones' and the hours of implementation will be fixed for each municipality by their own mayor.

• It is still compulsory to wear a mask in public spaces, shops and around schools.
• Outside these areas, wearing a mask will remain strongly recommended whenever the situation does not allow physical distancing.

The crisis cell also announced that CVID-19 testing capacities will be gradually strengthened from next week, by setting up four “villages” as well as three branches in the city centre.