23 January 2021: Non-essential foreign travel is banned until 1 March

23 January 2021: Belgium’s federal and regional governments has met yesterday to discuss the measures that are in force to help curb the spread of the coronavirus. The most important decisions taken at the meeting were a ban on non-essential travel outside Belgium that will come into force from Wednesday 27 January and will last until 1 March and the promise that barbers, hairdressers’ and beauty salons will be allowed to reopen from Saturday 13 February providing that the coronavirus improve between now and then. Meanwhile, with 1,963 cases on average a day in the week to 19 January (the figure is down 4% on the week) we remain at a high plateau. Furthermore, the fall in the number of new infections is currently only apparent in Wallonia and Brussels. In Flanders an increase of the numbers has been reported. Also, it was noted that the fall is greatest among over 80s and that we’re seeing a double digit increase among children under 10. Net-net, the situation remains very fragile and the slightest inattention can ignite a new wave. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The virus is currently playing a home game, but our best players, the spring and the vaccine, still need to come onto the field. In the end fortune will turn in our favour. Today, I’m posting some graffiti that I came across during yesterday’s corona walk – Ghent, Belgium.