Covid-19: Christmas holidays advanced in schools and limited gatherings … Belgium on the alert – LCI

“We must take measures to reduce the pressure on hospitals as quickly as possible” who is not “not tenable”. Looking serious, Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo unveiled a whole series of restrictions in the country this Friday from Saturday.

First of all, wearing a mask becomes compulsory from the age of 6, also at school. A decision justified by the health authorities who report a strong dynamic of contamination in children. Classes may also be closed after two contaminations and must have a CO2 measuring device. Regarding secondary education, the courses will be organized in a hybrid form, with a maximum of 50% face-to-face teaching until the end of the year holidays. Finally, the Christmas holidays for nursery and primary education will begin on December 18, a week earlier than planned.

Another decision taken, which particularly affects the culture sector: from Monday, all events of more than 200 people will be suspended, whether they take place indoors or outdoors. While for those under the 200 authorized person, the public must be seated, wear the mask and the Covid Safe Ticket (CST) will be compulsory from 50 people. The rule will apply, for example, to cinemas or conferences. As for the museums, they will remain open.

Weddings and funeral receptions remain an exception, as well as sporting activities (but without an audience). Outdoor events, such as football matches, may be held without limit on the number of people.

For cafes and restaurants, the measurements remain unchanged. These establishments must close at 11 p.m. and customers must be seated, with a maximum of six per table. Regarding the private sphere (meetings at home), the authorities advise to limit contacts as much as possible, however they do not impose a rule of “bubbles”. The obligation to telework four days a week also remains in force.

Belgium, which has 11 million inhabitants, has recorded on average more than 17,800 daily infections with Covid-19 over the last seven days as well as 44 deaths. Around 800 people, with severe forms, are hospitalized in intensive care across the country – this figure continues to increase by more than 20% per week – leading to saturation of the health system and the postponement of many treatments for other pathologies. .