The Belgian government on Tuesday announced new far-reaching measures to combat the coronavirus, banning all non-essential activity outdoors, regulating access to supermarkets and banning all social gatherings.
The new measures are set to begin at noon on Wednesday, running at least until April 5, and were decided in coordination with the National Security Council, which unites the country’s different levels of government, according to Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès.
The government requested that everyone stay at home and said non-essential shops will be shut. Belgians will only be allowed to go outside in case of an emergency or to do necessary shopping such as at grocery stores, pharmacies or post offices. Access to supermarkets will be regulated.
People may go outside to walk, jog or bike, but have to do it alone or with the people they live with. They must also keep their distance from others while outside. All social gatherings will be banned.
Companies will have to organize teleworking for all employees able to perform their job at home. If that’s not possible, employees will have to make sure they keep their distance from each other. Wilmès said companies will be responsible for implementing these rules and if they don’t, they risk fines or even closure.
The Belgian government declined to call the new measures a “lockdown.” Local media reported officials wanted to avoid the term due to the negative connotation.