Yes, yes, this newsletter has been very UK travel rule obsessed this week, but it's like watching a snail race a slug over an obstacle course.
There are plenty of things happening, just really slowly.
Yesterday brought with it the news that Belgium is looking at what can happen.
The slug has just started the climbing wall. I've not been able to work out how fast he's travelling yet.
What we do know, according to Wendy Lee, spokesperson for Belgium’s Federal Public Health Service, is this:
“We are now looking into the logistics,”
“The political will to achieve mutual recognition as soon as possible is definitely there.”
It's not a lot, but it's all we've got for now.
Are they looking into it? Yes, but that might not be anything new.
When will it be concluded? Your guess is as good as mine, but we're on it.
Soon? Probably. Before the end of August? Hopefully.
Your guess is as good as mine, so what is your guess? Let @johnstonjules know.
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1. Belgium could start lifting face mask obligation in September
Belgium could move away from the face mask obligation in September, and start giving people individual responsibility to wear one when needed, according to vaccinologist Pierre Van Damme. Read more.
2. Why Covid caused longer waits for driving tests
Belgium’s driving examination centres have seen a spike in waiting times for practical tests as people rush to get on the roads like never before, in part caused by a reluctance to return to public transport. Read more.
3. Military defends itself against criticism to flood response in Belgium
Volunteers and disaster relief workers have been working around the clock in the flood-stricken parts of Belgium, but the Belgian military has come under fire for what’s perceived as a lack of presence on the ground – the same accusations leveled against the Red Cross. Read more.
4. Tax authorities bill Delhaize parent up to €380 million
The Belgian tax authorities are ready to present a bill for up to €380 million to Ahold Delhaize, the parent company of the Belgian supermarket chain. Read More.
5. Unsafe levels of PFOS in blood of 3M factory neighbours
Blood samples taken from residents in the vicinity of the 3M factory in Zwijndrecht show abnormally high levels of the chemical PFOS, according to a local action group. Read More.
6. Children recover from Covid-19 symptoms in an average of six days
Children with symptoms of Covid-19 are usually cured after six days, according to a study published in the journal The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health. Read more.
7. Conings affair: one soldier suspended, several under review
13 Belgian military personnel had their access to firearms suspended following the Conings affair and several have yet to regain their authorisation. Read more.
