21 August 2020: Staycation Update

The reproduction number in Belgium has dropped to 0.9, Sophie Wilmès, Belgium’s Prime Minister, announced in a press conference following yesterday’s meeting of the National Security Council that the measures the country took at the end of July are proving to be effective. However, since the virus is still present in our society a return to normal is not yet possible. The good news is that all pupils will be able to return to school in a full-time five-day week on 1 September. Though, face masks will remain compulsory for all pupils over 12 years old. In addition, shopping in pairs and more spectators at events will be allowed. The social contact bubble of five people you are allowed to be in close contact with will be extended until the end of September. Also, the measure that makes the wearing of face masks in shops and shopping centres, and in certain public areas such as in museums or at events will remain in place. In addition to that measure, local authorities can continue to take extra measures, such as making it mandatory to wear a face mask on certain streets or in certain districts. Net-net, the lack of a uniform rule for the face mask obligation across the country will continue to confuse all of us. Amidst all of this I continue to wander through my hometown hoping that pictures will find me, snapping the city as it unrolls before my eyes. Searching for beauty in ugliness… – Muidebrug, Ghent, Belgium.