Last updated October 19.
Belgium has tightened its coronavirus restrictions yet again, amid a sharp rise in cases over the past few weeks and warnings of a devastating second wave. The move is intended to prevent a stricter lockdown this winter, which experts say could have crippling effects on the economy and people’s mental health.
Here’s POLITICO’s breakdown of the latest rules. Come back for regular updates as the situation evolves and government advice changes.
You can find the latest statistics on coronavirus in Belgium here and the full official government guidelines here.
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Socializing: You’re allowed close contact with only one person from outside your household. You can invite four people to your home if you respect social distancing rules. These four people must be the same for a period of two weeks, after which you can switch. In public spaces, groups are limited to four people.
Bars, cafés and restaurants: All bars, cafés and restaurants are closed. Take-out is possible until 10 p.m. Authorities will review these measures at the end of October. Night shops have to close at 10 p.m. and alcohol sales are prohibited after 8 p.m.
Work: Working from home is the rule whenever possible.
Schools: All schools remain open. For French-speaking schools in Brussels and Wallonia, the one-week half-term break starting on November 2 has been extended by three days (until November 11) to help curb the spread of the virus.
Sports: Indoor sports where no social distancing is possible are prohibited except for kids under 12. Some indoor sports classes can take place, with a cap on the number of participants depending on the space available. Outdoor sports are allowed. Authorities will review these measures by October 23. The number of spectators allowed at professional sports games has been halved from 400 to 200 people. Food and drink establishments linked to the venue will be closed.
Culture/events: Cultural events are allowed to go ahead if they ensure social distancing and respect regulations on maximum capacity. These rules will be reviewed by October 23. Museums are open. Night clubs remain closed.
Shopping: Shops remain open. Food markets can also keep operating, but consuming food or beverages on site is not allowed. Flea markets and Christmas markets are prohibited.
Travel: Travel within Belgium is allowed. Restrictions on traveling abroad depend on the epidemiological situation in the destination country, for which the Belgian foreign ministry uses a color code. Travel to countries marked “red” is strongly discouraged but not forbidden. When returning from a “red zone,” you must quarantine for at least a week.
Other: There is a nightly curfew from midnight to 5 a.m., with exceptions for “essential trips” for urgent medical reasons and professional commutes.
Further reading on coronavirus in Belgium:
Belgium launches coronavirus contact tracing app
Belgium gets its first coronavirus commissioner
Belgium shaken by prospect of coronavirus second wave
Brussels’ unequal coronavirus response
Why is Belgium’s death toll so high?