Updated January 17, 2021 by pierre

What will change in Brussels from May 11? #Covid Deconfinement, phase 1B

From May 11, 2020, Belgium will enter the phase 1B of the Coronavirus de-confinement. Several easing measures from the National Security Council will therefore accompany the deconfinement. If you missed the press conference and haven't been following the news, you're wondering if will it be possible to go to the shops in Brussels? Shopping in malls? Play sports with my friends? Go to the restaurant? and Seeing your friends again…  In short, many things that you have not had the opportunity to do in recent weeks.

In this article, we attempt to simply enlighten you by summarizing the measures in Brussels relating to phase 1B of the deconfinement. You have been warned!, between the time we write this article, and the situation, these measures may be revised by the government. Please therefore, in case of doubt, always refer to the Official website in case of doubt or question. A tip, in case of doubt, consult the FAQ on the info corona virus site.

So don't be stupid... with the deconfinement!  Since the start of the epidemic, at the time of writing, in Belgium, already 8.500 people have died from the coronavirus, 53.000 people have been declared positive, including 29.000 people, another 585 people have been declared positive yesterday. The virus is still present on Belgian territory. Do not hesitate to consult our tips to protect you ou do not leave your home unnecessarily:

• Easily order your groceries online.
• Or buy mask online? Receive a mask for free in your mailbox
• Have you delivered cocktail kits at home for your skyperos with friends
• HelloFresh et Efarmz, the foodboxes that save you shopping during covid19 in Brussels
• Do your shopping in other online stores than Delhaize,Carrefour or Colruyt

Can we see friends or family again during deconfinement? Yes, but 4 and only 4! 

From Sunday May 10, 2020, you will finally be allowed to see your family or friends again. Don't rejoice too quickly though! Between family and friends it will be necessary to choose. Indeed, you will only be allowed to meet another group of 4 people. It's 4 people, and not one more… Children also count as one person. Meetings should always take place under the same roof.

The government made a choice that turns out to be a balance between social and practical. By "practice", it is meant that in the event of a resumption of the coronavirus, the government could quickly identify all those who may have contracted the virus and take them to safety.

Choose these 4 people well. Because once you have chosen, during the whole of phase 1B of the deconfinement, it will be impossible for you to change groups. There is therefore no question of seeing 4 friends on Monday, 4 other colleagues on Tuesday, your brothers and sisters on the weekend, and saying hello to grandpa and grandma the following weekend.

However, the following rules must be observed for your safety:

• Respect all hygiene rules as well as detachment social (no handshakes or hugs… The virus is still present in Belgium)
• Disinfect  You the hands regularly appear
• Wear a mask close to the elderly,
• Do you visit not if you are sick (or have symptoms) , or one of the members of the group of 4 has symptoms

Doing sports in Brussels from May 11, 2020?

Sports halls (basic-fit type) are not authorized to open on May 11. You will still need to be patient. The infrastructure for outdoor sports are allowed to open. We imply for example tennis club, sports ground. Uniquely sports that do not involve physical contact and practice in full air. Their locker rooms, showers and the cafeteria will obviously be closed. Note that you can only practice this sport alone, with the inhabitants of your home, or with 2 other people. But these people must always be the same.

Refer to Official Covid FAQ to find out if these measures have changed. 

Can we go shopping and go to stores from May 11, 2020?

In stage 1B, many businesses are allowed to reopen. Among the businesses not authorized to open, we count, among others, hairdressers, fitness rooms, tattoos, casino, games rooms, massage centers… For the stores authorized to open, shopping will no longer be how it used to be. As the coronavirus is still present, stores will have to respect very strict methods. For example, 1 customer will be allowed for a space of 10 square meters. Customers can stay in the store for a maximum of 30 minutes. It is not mandatory to wear a mask, but it is strongly recommended to wear one, or protection covering the nose and mouth. Couldn't find a mask? Note that the municipality can make one available to you free of charge.