Belgium eases epidemiological measures despite rising infection rate

(Patria) – Belgian authorities have announced the easing of epidemiological measures despite the rising infection rate in the country.

From October 1, protective masks will only be mandatory in places where a large number of people gather, as well as in shops, cinemas, and public transport, announced Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes. Until now, wearing masks was mandatory in all public places, at all times.

Prime Minister Wilmes also announced the shortening of the quarantine period from 14 to 7 days.

– We must remain vigilant, the pandemic is not over. The virus will not disappear, but life must begin again, Wilmes explained her decision to ease measures.

However, epidemiological statistics are dramatically increasing – in the past week alone, the number of new infections has increased by 65%.

The Belgian government also announced that from Friday, the ban on travel to high-risk areas for the coronavirus will be lifted; instead, it will be 'recommended' not to travel to such places.

At the same time, neighboring France is announcing new, stricter measures in certain parts of the country to curb the spread of the coronavirus infection, which is actively circulating in more than two-thirds of the territory.

New measures currently apply only to the coastal city of Marseille and the island of Guadeloupe, where bars and restaurants will be closed from Saturday.

The epidemiological situation in France has significantly worsened with 94 cases of infection per 100,000 inhabitants.

Currently, about 6,000 people infected with the coronavirus are hospitalized.

Given that the situation differs in various parts of the country, French authorities have developed a map coded with three shades of red and a separate set of measures for each shade.