The lockdown in Belgium will be relaxed from 4 May and everyone will receive a mouth mask from the government. That is the first measure in the Belgians' exit strategy. Companies will start working from 4 May, shops can reopen from 11 May and the schools will reopen partially from 18 May. Mouth masks are mandatory in public transport and in other places where it is not possible to keep a distance of XNUMX meters. The ban on gathering remains in force.
exit strategy in 3 phases.
The government aims to provide every Belgian with at least one cloth mask and two filters to put in a cloth mask. Surgical masks and FFP2 masks are reserved for medical personnel. People should still stay at home as much as possible and only essential movements should be allowed.
Companies operating in non-essential sectors are allowed to start up from Monday 4 May, albeit under strict conditions. Working from home remains the norm and direct contacts with customers are not allowed. We only work business-to-business.
From Monday 11 May, all stores may open their doors again without exception of sector or size. Strict conditions are attached to this to limit the crowds in the shops.
The schools will open partially from Monday 18 May. In primary and secondary schools, each for a maximum of three grades and in smaller groups, with a maximum of 10 students per class. Part of the exit strategy is that childcare is provided for parents who go to work and do not have childcare. In kindergartens, classes will remain suspended, at least until the end of May.
catering and travel will not be possible for the time being
It has not yet been decided when the third phase will start. The National Security Council decides on a gradual phasing out of all measures. It will be from June 8 at the earliest. What will happen in this phase will depend on the evolution of the corona epidemic in Belgium. Within this phase of the exit strategy, there is the opening of the catering industry and the possibility to participate in multi-day trips. However, as previously decided, mass events such as festivals should not continue until August 31st.
Also read: Belgium remains in its dorm, no events until the end of August
