Alexander de Croo (En24 News)

The authorities in Belgium have decided to introduce a COVID-19 curfew in the country starting Monday October 19.

The announcement was made by Belgium Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, who said the curfew will be in effect from mid-night to 5:00 a.m. He declared that the coming weeks will be difficult. The Prime Minister disclosed that from October 19, work telecommuting will become mandatory for everyone, except for those for whom it is not possible to switch to this mode of work.

Belgium already has a mandatory mask regime in public transport and in all in-door public places. Residents of Belgium are allowed to receive no more than four people at home, provided that they will be the same people for two weeks.

Mobility Minister Georges Gilkine said all cafes and restaurants in Belgium will be closed from October 19. The authorities were forced to introduce such measures due to the worsening situation with the spread of COVID-19, the minister explained.

Over the past two weeks in Belgium, the number of new cases of COVID-19 has increased by 182 per cent. Since the beginning of the pandemic in the country, more than 190,000 people have been infected with the coronavirus, 10,327 persons have died.

Across the entire country, bars and restaurants have to close for four weeks. After two weeks, the measure will be evaluated. Getting takeaway meals, however, will still be possible until 10:00 p.m.

People will only be allowed to have one close contact, outside their own household. Households can also invite up to four guests, always the same ones, changing every two weeks. For these guests, the distance rules have to be respected.

Tele-working where possible will be made mandatory again. Where this is not possible, everything has to be done to make sure people can work safely.

Across the entire country, bars and restaurants have to close for four weeks. After two weeks, the measure will be evaluated. Getting takeaway meals, however, will still be possible until 10:00 p.m.

Additionally, there will be a comprehensive support package for the businesses affected. There will be a ban on selling alcohol after 8:00 p.m.

Food markets can stay open, following all measures that are already in force. Christmas markets, winter villages and flea markets, however, will not be possible.