Other information and services: www.belgium.be

Consultative Committee: Next step Summer Plan as from 27 June

Today, the federal government and the federated entities convened the Consultative Committee to implement the next step of the Summer Plan.

The Committee has established that the number of daily hospital admissions has evolved over the past seven-day period to less than 75 admissions per day and that the number of hospital beds occupied by coronavirus patients is less than 1,000. The positivity rate fell below 4% during the same period.

Fully vaccinated

The Consultative Committee stresses the importance of getting fully vaccinated in order to maximise protection. The objective remains to vaccinate as many people as possible as quickly as possible. As long as fully vaccinated people and people who have not yet been fully vaccinated meet, it is highly recommended to keep a distance of at least 1.5 metres and to wear a face mask.

27 June 2021: next step Summer Plan

The decline in infections and hospital admissions allows for the implementation of the next step of the Summer Plan as from 27 June:

  • Social contacts: up to eight people inside, excluding members of the same household and children up to the age of 12. This also applies to family holidays in tourist accommodation.

There are no restrictions for tourist accommodation able to accommodate more than 15 people, provided that the protocols in place are respected.

  • Shopping: The number of people you can shop with is no longer limited. Wearing a face mask remains mandatory.
  • Hospitality sector:
    • A maximum of eight people per table is allowed, children up to the age of 12 not included. An entire household can share a table.
    • The compulsory closing time will be extended to 1am. This closing time also applies to food deliveries and night shops.
    • The use of plexiglass is permitted on terraces as an alternative to the 1.5-metre rule between table parties.
    • Pub games and gambling are allowed, provided a face mask is worn.
    • The number of attendees at banquets and receptions is no longer limited. For the remainder, the rules for the catering industry are applicable.
  • Ceremonies: up to 200 people indoors and 400 people outdoors. When using CERM or CIRM, the provisions for the event sector apply.
  • Markets, year markets, fairs, bric-a-brac and flea markets: for more than 5,000 visitors, a one-way traffic system must be put in place with separate entrances and exits. Face masks are mandatory in July and August.
  • Funfairs: for more than 5,000 visitors, a one-way traffic system must be put in place with separate entrances and exits. Face masks are mandatory in July and August. Hands must be sanitised before the attraction and social distancing should be practiced between visitors or authorised groups. Applicable rules must be signposted at the stand or the attraction.
  • Permitted capacity for events:
    • Indoors: an increase of 100% of the CIRM capacity to a maximum of 2,000 attendees, with an increase to 4,000 attendees for test events as soon as the COVID Safe Ticket is available and only when the COVID Safe Ticket allows access to the event.
    • Outdoors: an increase from 2,500 to 5,000 attendees, only when the COVID Safe Ticket allows access.
  • Gatherings and demonstrations: the ban on gatherings at night is lifted and there are no longer restrictions on demonstrations, subject to compliance with the requirement to wear a face mask and maintain a safe distance.
  • Team building activities: physical team building activities are allowed again.

Service-Cheques Sector

The Consultative Committee has decided to extend the measures in force in the Service-Cheques Sector until 30 September 2021, including the employer’s obligation to provide face masks and hand sanitizer gel for each service.

Clarifications

Finally, the Consultative Committee gives further clarification on the following:

  • For all sports activities, each participant up to the age of 18 may be accompanied by one member of the same family.
  • Sanitary infrastructure such as changing rooms and showers may be used.
  • If catering activities are taking place at events, cultural and other performances, sports competitions, training sessions and conferences, takeaway is also permitted.
  • Organisers using the COVID Safe Ticket are not required to offer the testing option at the entrance to the event.
  • The obligation to wear a face mask at outdoor events is waived if people are seated.

The next Consultative Committee is scheduled for 16 July.

To conclude: 10 tips for enjoying a safe summer

  • Get vaccinated. The more people are vaccinated, the safer it becomes for all of us.
  • Wash your hands regularly. And also follow the other hygiene rules such as when coughing or sneezing.
  • Do you feel ill or do you have symptoms? Stay home and contact your GP.
  • Test yourself if you have not yet been vaccinated. You can buy a self-test from your pharmacist.
  • Go outside. Because it’s safer outside.
  • Smaller is better. A group of five is safer than a group of fifty.
  • Is everyone in your group vaccinated? Then you can take off your masks.
  • Ventilate indoor areas. That’s how you avoid the formation of a virus cloud inside.
  • Maintain a safe distance. It is safer to remain at 1.5 metres until everyone has been vaccinated.
  • Keep it safe while travelling, too. Download the digital COVID certificate, use your coronavirus app, and find out about local rules.