06/04/2021 | Press release | Archived content
Today, the federal government and the federated entities convened the Consultative Committee to lay down the rules for free and safe summer travel. On Wednesday, 9 June, the first step of the Summer Plan also comes into effect, including the reopening of indoor catering and return days to the office for staff working from home.
The Consultative Committee notes that the number of corona patients in intensive care continues to decline and is well below the target threshold of 500 beds. The vaccination campaign is also up to speed, with more than eight in ten vulnerable people (those aged 65 and over and those with underlying conditions) having received their first vaccine dose two weeks ago.
The Consultative Committee confirms the objective to maximise vaccination coverage of the general population. In the meantime, caution remains the order of the day. For example, it takes up to three weeks after the dose has been administered before the vaccine provides adequate protection. During that time, one can become infected, seriously ill and infect other people. Adhering to the rules of conduct, such as wearing a face mask and respecting the 1.5 metre rule, is therefore still recommended.
The Consultative Committee today laid down the rules for travelling freely and safely within the European Union this summer. This will be possible thanks to the European digital corona certificate.
The certificate will be used in all EU countries from 1 July and is proof that someone has been vaccinated against corona, tested negative for corona or has recovered from corona.
Travel to countries outside the European Union, meanwhile, remains strongly advised against.
1. Returning as a resident after staying abroad
Returning from a green or orange zone:
Returning from a red zone:
Those with a digital corona certificate with full vaccination (+ 2 weeks), a recent negative PCR test (< 72 hours) or recovery certificate do not need to be quarantined.
Those who get tested immediately upon arrival (day 1 or day 2) do not have to go into quarantine. A negative PCR test is required for individuals 12 years of age and older. Children under the age of 12 are exempt from testing requirements.
Returning from a very high risk area ('variants of concern'):
Mandatory 10-day quarantine with PCR testing on day 1 and day 7.
This requirement also applies to persons who have been fully vaccinated or who have already tested negative in the country where they stayed. After all, these are dangerous virus variants that we want to keep out of Europe.
2. Arrival in Belgium as a non-resident
Arrival from a green or orange zone:
Arriving from a red zone:
Those with a digital corona certificate with full vaccination (+ 2 weeks), a recent negative PCR test or recovery certificate do not need to be quarantined.
The recent test must not be older than 72 hours before arrival in Belgium.
Arrival from outside the European Union:
Arrival after staying in a very high risk area ('variants of concern'):
3. Departure abroad
Anyone in possession of a valid digital corona certificate can travel freely within the Member States of the European Union. That is the basic principle. However, destination countries may always impose additional conditions.
You should therefore check the exact travel conditions of the country of destination or of the transit countries sufficiently in advance, to prevent unpleasant surprises.
The use of the Passenger Location Form remains the same.
The distinction between professional and non-professional travel is abolished. As of 1 July, a PLF must also be completed for professional travel instead of the Business Travel Abroad tool (BTA).
For children and adolescents between 6 and 17 years of age and for adults who have not yet had the opportunity to be fully vaccinated and thus to acquire immunity, the cost of a PCR test will be reimbursed up to a maximum of € 55. This applies to tests taken in Belgium, subject to obtaining a Corona Test Prescription Code from the FPS Public Health.
Financial compensation can be obtained no more than 2 times, during the months July, August and September.
The opening time in the catering industry will be brought forward from 8 a.m. to 5 a.m. from 9 June.
The Consultative Committee also decided that from 9 June onwards, the closing time for both indoor and outdoor catering will be 11.30 p.m.
The Consultative Committee lays down the approval procedure for some 30 test events during the period from 1 July to 31 August. The aim is to acquire additional knowledge on how to organise an event safely, taking into account available scientific data.
Several test events will be organised on the use of the COVID Safe Ticket, air quality and crowd management, among other things.
The Consultative Committee clarifies the conditions for larger scale events starting 13 August. For participants in this events, full vaccination (+ 2 weeks) or a recent PCR test (< 72 hours) is required. It will also be possible to provide rapid on-site antigen testing.
The maximum number of participants allowed is 75,000.
The next Consultative Committee is scheduled for 18 June and will include further details on the Summer Plan starting 1 July.
To conclude: 10 tips for enjoying a safe summer
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