7 June 2020 Update from Semi-Locked Down Ghent

The Coronavirus pandemic continues to tail off in Belgium. Still, 165 new infections were diagnosed on Friday. Let’s hope that this is linked to increased testing. Meanwhile, the budget deficit has shot off the rails and is climbing to new heights. The corona crisis has pushed up expenditure: there has been a big take up of the grants available to businesses forced to close, while at the same time revenue is sharply down. Despite the implementation of well-measured protective measures, employment will not escape the consequences of the economic shock. Whilst the economic outlook is not rosy the government has agreed another set of measures to support economic activity. VAT on goods and services in the hospitality industry is being cut to 6% for a limited period. Moreover employees will receive a €300 cheque that can be spent in bars, restaurants or hotels or to buy tickets to attend organised events like shows and theatre performances. On display are people enjoying lunch on a lazy Sunday afternoon downtown Ghent in August 2014. I’m wondering how it will look as of Monday when restaurants and bars are scheduled to re-open – Jan Breydelstraat, Ghent,