Belgium will loosen coronavirus restrictions as of September 1, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo announced Friday after a meeting with the country’s various governments.
However, a number of restrictions will remain in Brussels, which has the lowest vaccination rate in the country.
As of next month, bars and restaurants will have no more restrictions on the number of people per table and no more fixed closing hours. Bars and restaurants had been ordered to close at 1 a.m. However, nightclubs are not yet allowed to reopen.
The number of visitors in private households is also no longer limited. At weddings, dancing will be allowed.
There will be another set of relaxations as of October 1. At that point, clubs will be allowed to reopen.
“We can take these decisions because so many people are vaccinated,” De Croo said. “Vaccines have changed the rules of the game.”
He called on all Belgians who have not been vaccinated to get their jab. In communities with low vaccination rates, local authorities will step up work to convince people to get vaccinated, including going from door to door.
Getting vaccinated will remain voluntary, De Croo said, but there will be exceptions for people working in hospitals and care homes. “Patients are entitled to maximum protection,” De Croo said.
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