Wallonia will make the Covid Safe Ticket (CST) compulsory for entering bars, restaurants and hospitals from Monday 1 November, the regional government announced on Thursday.
The use of the CST - which proves that someone has been fully vaccinated, recently tested negative or recovered from the virus in the past half-year - will be mandatory in Wallonia's hospitality industry, as well as in sports' centres, and for the cultural sector and healthcare sector until 15 January.
"With the exception of health care institutions, the CST allows for the reduction of barrier measures and authorises the presence of a greater number of people in the same place," a government press release read, adding that it would avoid putting in place more restrictive measures.
Concretely, this means the health pass will be required from people above the age of 16 in the following places:
- Indoor areas of cafés, restaurants, bars, as well as clubs, dance halls and gyms
- For events including trade fairs and congresses indoors with more than 50 people, outdoors for events with more than 200 people
- For visits to hospitals, residential care centres, psychiatric facilities or facilities for people with mental disorders (from the age of 12)
Once the measure is enforced, rule-breakers risk fines of between €50 and €500, while organisers can be fined up to €2500.
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"The pass will not apply to public transport, public services, schools, shops and shopping centres, the workplace and events authorised by local authorities," a government press release stated.
This means wearing a face mask remains obligatory in Wallonia in these places where the CST is not required.
On Thursday, the Walloon Government adopted a decree on the expansion of the CST in the second reading, and this will now be submitted to Parliament for adoption in the next few days.
For people living in Wallonia, the CST is available online on the CovidSafeBe application, on www.masante.be or on the Walloon health network.
Those who do not have access to the internet can request a paper version by post by calling 071/31.34.93.
