You have been wanting to move to Belgium for a while, but unfortunately the spread of the coronavirus has caused you to put these plans on hold. This is of course completely understandable. Even though Belgium is a neighbouring country that is close to the Netherlands, COVID19 still remains the unknown. At the time, nobody knew what it was and what was going to happen. Now that we are a few years further, it is all still somewhat unclear, but we now know how to deal with it.
How is Belgium actually dealing with the corona pandemic? What has been their approach and what are the current measures? For a move abroad during this chaotic period in the world, it is also nice to know what the social security in a country is in the event of illness. One thing that is certain is that all European countries and actually all countries in the world have had their restrictions and rules and have also taken the necessary measures to try to control the virus.
Because we understand that many people find it scary to take the step now, we would like to explain in this article that you actually do not have to be afraid at all. Belgium has been able to handle the corona pandemic well and we will also look at the current situation for you. COVID19 does not have to be a problem for you at all emigration to Belgium and we'll explain why!
The Belgian government and COVID19
Like in many other countries around the world, the coronavirus was first detected in Belgium on 3 February 2020. In many European countries, the nightmare also began at that time. One remarkable thing that Belgium had decided at that time, unlike the other member states of the European Union (EU), was that the country did not publish any statistics or further information in the media. On 26 March 2020, it was decided to do so, but then only the affected municipalities and the number of registered infections per 100,000 inhabitants per municipality were published.
Now we have been doing this for a long time and the figures are being reported every day.
Current information
As explained earlier, nowadays current information shared. The average number of people who tested positive this week was 41,456. As in other countries, infections due to the Omikron variant are increasing, but fortunately the symptoms are not too severe. As a result, there is no pressure on hospitals. In many countries, Omikron is now treated as a flu and many countries even say that the pandemic is almost over.
Vaccination figures in Belgium
In the meantime, of course, many vaccinations have already been administered. Approximately 79.1% of the population has had their first dose and 76.8% has already been fully vaccinated. What is also good to know is that today 56.8% has also received the booster shot.
Has the Belgian government taken additional measures since then?
The consequences of the coronavirus in Belgium were of course enormous, just like elsewhere in the world. If you decide to go to Belgium during this period, it also means that you must be well informed about the measures that the Belgian government has taken to combat the virus. Living in Belgium means that you must take this into account. These measures include recommendations, but there are also rules that you must follow.
Current measures in Belgium
Since the end of January, there have been relaxations in Belgium. Restaurants and cafes have been allowed to stay open until midnight since 28 January. Concert halls and theatres in Belgium were also allowed to use 70% to 100% of their hall capacity from that day. However, an important condition is that the spaces must be able to be well ventilated.
Unchanged measures
In Belgium, you still have to wear a face mask in all public spaces, including on public transport. Working from home as much as possible also remains in force and employers must let their employees work from home as much as possible. An employee may only go to the office once a week. Who this is is determined by the employer and otherwise this must be arranged mutually.
Apart from that, not much has changed. Markets and shops are still allowed, but consumers are advised not to go shopping in large groups. It is of course still very important to prevent the spread of the coronavirus as much as possible. All non-essential shops, businesses and self-employed people are also still allowed to offer their services. The Belgian FPS Economy supports and protects the economic factors in Belgium.
NB!
In Belgium, regions are allowed to introduce their own measures or stricter rules. Therefore, find out in advance which region you are moving to in order to be well informed about the situation in your region.
The Belgian corona barometer
The various governments in Belgium have agreed to introduce a 'corona barometer'. With this, they want to make the measures clearer and more predictable for the Belgians with three color codes (green, orange and red). Color code green means that everything is under control and therefore (almost) everything will be possible again. Color code orange means that there is increasing pressure in healthcare and small measures are being taken and color code red means that there is too much pressure on healthcare. At the end of January, Belgium started with code red.
The Belgian corona pass
Despite the relaxations, Belgium is tightening the rules for the Belgian corona pass, also known as the 'Covid Safe Ticket'. From 1 March, people must have had a booster shot 5 months after their second vaccination to enter swimming pools or restaurants, for example. The Belgian government has made it clear that the pass is a temporary measure and will be lifted as soon as it is possible again. In the following cases, you will be asked for your Covid Safe Ticket:
- Events, cafes and discos
- Fitness centers and other catering establishments
- In residential care facilities for vulnerable persons
Conditions of the corona pass
- Vaccination certificate
This must be valid. This means that you must have had your booster shot from March onwards. - Proof of recovery
You must have tested positive for the coronavirus between 11 and 180 days ago. - Test proof
You must be able to show a negative PCR test or antigen test result taken no more than 48 hours ago. You can also hand over a negative RAT test taken no more than 24 hours ago.
Travel advice Belgium
A nice aspect of Belgium is that travel within the country is allowed and you can travel anywhere domestically without any obstacles. Furthermore, the country still has entry requirements that you must meet.
A stay longer than 48 hours
If you stay in Belgium for more than 48 hours, you are required to fill in a Passenger Locator Form (PLF). It is also necessary to present your corona certificate when requested. This can be your QR code for full vaccination (at least 2 weeks old), a negative PCR test of maximum 72 hours old or an antigen test of maximum 24 hours old. You can also enter Belgium with a recovery certificate, but it may not be older than 180 days and must be at least 11 days old.
A stay of less than 48 hours
Are you staying in Belgium for less than 48 hours? Then you do not need to fill in a PLF and you do not need to show proof of corona. There are of course exceptions: when you travel to Belgium by plane or boat, when you enter Belgium by train or bus or when you have been in a high-risk area. In all these cases you do need to hand over a PLF.
Finally..
It is of course not recommended to enter the country with symptoms of a cold. This is to limit the spread of the virus as much as possible. It is also recommended that if someone in a family shows symptoms, the other family members are immediately tested for the coronavirus. Furthermore, it is wise not to compare European countries with each other. With this we mean that, for example, living in Germany is different from living in Belgium, so look carefully at the information you are looking up and whether this information relates to Belgium.
Do you have any questions?
Do you have any questions about your emigration to Belgium? Then you can always read our other articles on the website and who knows, we might answer your questions in one of the other articles.
