The Brussels regional government announced a range of new measures over the weekend aimed at countering the rise in COVID-19 infections.
With the new regional measures, Brussels went further than Wallonia has done.
Among the measures, valid from Monday until 19 November, is an extension of the pre-existing curfew to 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM and the obligation to wear a mask at all times and all over the region.
Teleworking is to be made obligatory wherever possible, shops must close no later than 20.00 and people must shop alone, with only two exceptions: unless accompanied by a minor under the age of 12, or if accompanying a person who requires assistance.
Cultural venues, including museums, galleries, theatres, and cinemas as well as sporting facilities are too close.
The cultural sector has reacted with outrage as according to its representatives the restrictions have been made with little pre-consultations.
An average of 12,491 new corona infections per day were confirmed between 16 and 22 October, an increase of 44% compared to the seven days before, according to the Sciensano health institute.
(Alexandra Brzozowski, EURACTIV.com)