Belgian Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne has called for a fine to be imposed on travelers who refuse to take mandatory coronavirus tests.
As of earlier this month, Belgium requires people who stay in a so-called “red zone” for more than 48 hours to take a test on arrival in the country and a second test after seven days. If travelers do not comply, they should be fined €250, Van Quickenborne said, Belgian media reported on Tuesday.
“Anybody returning to Belgium today must fill out the passenger location form … each traveler receives a code that entitles them to two tests,” Van Quickenborne said. “Our systems know who is not using these codes.”
Most countries around the world are currently considered a high-risk red zone by Belgium. Van Quickenborne’s comments come as Belgium debates tougher restrictions on non-essential travel.
Mobility Minister Georges Gilkinet has said that “it is no longer time to travel for leisure reasons.” However, Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden said that closing borders was difficult and that Belgium had “agreed not to do this unilaterally,” while Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke said a complete ban on non-essential travel was not under discussion. A decision is expected on Friday.
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