As a visible shield against an invisible virus, masks were the last requirement to be lifted as Belgium finally controlled the spread of Covid-19. Yet though they have largely disappeared in public, the until-recently ubiquitous masks might be coming back.
The bad news was broken by Belgium's lead virologist Marc Van Ranst – a health expert with considerable political influence who has been a leading figure in advising on public health restrictions. Known for erring on the side of caution, Van Ranst calls attention to the rising spread of Omicron subvariants and stresses the need for some measures to stop its mass outbreak.
Despite his undeniable authority, the measures put in place by the government often fall short of Van Ranst's recommendations, which means that his latest prediction may not come to pass. In particular, the virologist urges making masks mandatory again in enclosed spaces, such as public transport.
In other venues, ventilation is key – a point that Van Ranst has made time and again (he even keeps a personal CO2 meter with him to make sure).
Yet the world's attention has largely turned away from Covid to other emergencies, there is doubt as to whether people will once again accept these rules – even for something as minor as a facemask. A large number of those on public transport decided that they had had enough of the masks, even when they were still a legal requirement.
Public reluctance for a return to past measures is well known and ministers will be unwilling to impose unpopular mandates, even if this would be the sensible thing to do.
Would you put on your mask again? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your lunch break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. Lufthansa strikes on Wednesday: Flight delays and cancellations expected
Many flights operated by Lufthansa airline are expected to be delayed or cancelled on Wednesday, as one of the company’s main trade unions, Verdi, called for an all-day strike by the airline’s ground staff as part of an ongoing pay dispute. Read more.
2. Mandatory face masks will be back in September, predicts Van Ranst
The peak of Covid-19 infections with the BA.5 variant has likely been reached in Belgium, but that does not prevent virologist Marc Van Ranst from predicting the return of the need for face masks after the summer. Read more.
3. European trade unions call for EU law on maximum temperatures at work
The European Trade Union Confederation (ETUC), a syndicate of over 92 trade unions across Europe, calls on the European Commission for laws that set maximum temperature limits at the workplace. Read more.
4. ‘Hungarians will not become a mixed race’: Orbán’s latest tirade sparks new row
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has blasted the ‘mixing’ of European and non-European races in a speech which sparked immediate outrage from Hungarian opposition parties and European politicians. Read more.
5. Belgians win six Tour de France stages for first time since 1985
As the 2022 Tour de France came to an end Sunday on Champs-Élysées in Paris, Jasper Philipsen won the 21st and final stage, bringing the number of stage wins by Belgian riders to six. Read more.
6. Brussels Food & Drink
What are the most delicious foods, refreshing drinks, coolest cafés and swankiest restaurants in Brussels at the moment? Here are some of the best. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Pont des Claies
Every year, five employees from the commune of Vresse-sur-Semois build a temporary footbridge called the Pont de Claies at a quiet spot on the River Semois. Read more.
