Two Consultative Committee meetings are planned to take place in January, Le Soir reports, citing a source from Prime Minister De Croo’s cabinet.
The first will already take place this Thursday and will focus on the evolution of the epidemiological situation. The second, expected mid-January, will focus on the long-term management of the crisis.
On Thursday, representatives from the federal, community and regional governments will evaluate the current measures put in place and analyse their effectiveness in relation to two parameters: the spread of the Omicron variant and its effect on infections and hospitalisations, as well as the progress of the booster dose campaign.
The situation in the various sectors that are subject to government restrictions will also be assessed, not only the cultural sectors but also nightlife and sport. Currently all sports games are closed to spectators.
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Government officials are reportedly cautious about possible relaxations, given the high amount of infections circulating, Belga news agency reports.
The second meeting, which will focus on the long-term management of the pandemic, aims to also provide the public with some perspectives based on the coronavirus barometer.
The barometer is meant to give people a better understanding of when and why new measures are taken, based on certain thresholds and triggers. For example, as soon as a certain number of beds in intensive care is occupied, specific measures are automatically activated.
The mid-January meeting will also assess the country's vaccine roll-out, testing and infrastructure needed to carry them out.
