Covid, Belgium and Luxembourg relax rules

Discos are reopening in Belgium and Luxembourg, where the governments of the two neighboring countries have decided today an important relaxation of the rules against the contagion of covid. Starting from Friday 18, in Belgium, dancing will be back in discos, and the restrictions on closing times and the number of people at tables in bars and restaurants are lifted. “I would like to thank all Belgians, without exception, for the efforts we have made together,” said Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. Among other measures, children under 12 will no longer have to wear a mask at school and smart working four days a week will no longer be mandatory but only recommended. Concerts can be organized with people standing and there will no longer be ceilings for participants for events outside, nor for weddings and funerals. The easing is announced while in this country of 11.5 million inhabitants the number of infections fell by 44% compared to last week, as well as the admissions to intensive care. Deaths, on the other hand, have risen. The incidence in the space of two weeks still remains high, reaching 4 thousand cases per 100 thousand inhabitants. In Luxembourg, parliament approved a significant easing which goes into effect immediately. Discos reopen, bars and restaurants are closed at 11 am, there are no more restrictions for private events. Those who are not vaccinated will be able to access public places again on condition that they exhibit a negative test for the covid.