Update on #covid in Belgium after gov press conf tonight (a thread):
All residents to stay at home from 12.00 tom (Wed18 Mar) to limit the spread.
Applies until 5 April, but could be extended. Police granted extra powers for ensuring the confinement is respected.
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All residents to stay at home from 12.00 tom (Wed18 Mar) to limit the spread.
Applies until 5 April, but could be extended. Police granted extra powers for ensuring the confinement is respected.
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The move follows the shutdown of bars, cafes & restaurants last weekend.
Essential outings will still be allowed—to buy food & medicine, go to a bank, petrol station or post office, attend a medical app, help an elderly relative or go to work if job cannot be done remotely.
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Essential outings will still be allowed—to buy food & medicine, go to a bank, petrol station or post office, attend a medical app, help an elderly relative or go to work if job cannot be done remotely.
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Outdoor exercise—walking, jogging or cycling—will still be "allowed, even recommended" but only with one other person, Sophie Wilmès (Belgian PM) said.
Everyone is advised to keep a distance of 1.5m from each other.
Public transport will continue to run.
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Everyone is advised to keep a distance of 1.5m from each other.
Public transport will continue to run.
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Wilmès said companies should make remote working available for everyone, wherever posssible.
Businesses for which this is not possible must respect the rules on "social distancing".
Companies that cannot MUST close.
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Businesses for which this is not possible must respect the rules on "social distancing".
Companies that cannot MUST close.
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Allowances for "techische werkloosheid" will be provided by the Belgian government, temporary unemployment benefits to ensure people can pay their bills, eat etc.
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Non-essential shops must close.
Hairdressers can remain open, but can only have one customer at a time.
Food stores and pharmacies will impose a limit of one customer per 10m² of retail space, and a maximum shopping time of 30 minutes.
Shops must close by 22.00.
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Hairdressers can remain open, but can only have one customer at a time.
Food stores and pharmacies will impose a limit of one customer per 10m² of retail space, and a maximum shopping time of 30 minutes.
Shops must close by 22.00.
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Retail federation Comeos says customers should do their shopping alone.
Lines will be drawn on the floor to show the minimum one-metre distance to be kept when queuing.
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Lines will be drawn on the floor to show the minimum one-metre distance to be kept when queuing.
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Families ordered not to go for walks outside together. In circumstances where they have to meet up outside, they are to keep their distance.
Wilmès stressed that: "Social distancing should not be synonymous with social isolation."
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Wilmès stressed that: "Social distancing should not be synonymous with social isolation."
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This is an incredibly difficult time for breweries, blenderies, bars, restaurants, bottle shops, distributors and beer festivals in Belgium.
Some businesses will be decimated & may not survive
The consequences of this pandemic on Belgian beer will reverberate for some time.
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Some businesses will be decimated & may not survive
The consequences of this pandemic on Belgian beer will reverberate for some time.
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We hope that people in Belgium stay in touch with their loved ones and continue to practice social distancing.
Stay safe.
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End of thread.
Stay safe.
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End of thread.
