Masks, gatherings, sanctionsThird new Covid-19 law: an overview

As a reminder, here are the new measures to follow with the aim of reducing the spread of the virus.

Public and private gatherings

• Indoor and outdoor gatherings of people at home or for private events with more than ten people are prohibited.
• Members of the household are not included in the total.
• Gatherings that exceed 10 people are permitted, provided there are allocated seats, respecting a minimum distance of two metres. If this is not possible, wearing a mask is compulsory.
• The seat rule does not apply to events and funerals, or to fairs, shows, and markets where the public circulates.
• The rules of distancing and the wearing of a mask do not apply to children under 6 years old, nor to people who are part of a household or cohabiting. The same applies to religious, cultural and sporting practitioners during the exercise of their activities, respectively for school and extracurricular activities.

Reinforced sanctions for businesses

• Customers may only be served if seated. Customers who do not observe this rule can be sanctioned.
• The limit for people around a table is set at 10 people, unless the people come from the same household.
• Wearing a mask is compulsory for customers when they are not seated at the table.
• Wearing a mask is compulsory for staff who are in direct contact with customers.
• Tables placed side by side must be separated by a distance of at least 1.5 metres or, in case of shorter distance, by a barrier or a physical separation to limit the risk of infection.
• The closing time for restaurants, bars and cafés remains fixed at midnight.
• Penalties for businesses in violation of the rules have been increased. The basic fine of 4,000 euros may be doubled in the event of a repeat offence and the establishment’s licence can be withdrawn for three months. In addition, these companies will not be eligible for government financial aid.

Masks

Wearing a mask remains compulsory in certain places:

• On public transport (bus, train, tram). The driver is exempt from the compulsory wearing of a mask if an interpersonal distance of two metres is possible, or in cases where a physical barrier separates them from passengers;
• For activities that accommodate the public and take place indoors: shops, counters, cultural activities, leisure activities, etc.
• Infractions or non-compliance, in cases of those who have been issued an order to isolate or self-quarantine, are punishable by a fine of 25 to 500 euros.

The following are exempt from the compulsory wearing of masks:

• Children under 6;
• People with disabilities who have a medical certificate justifying this exemption and who implement health measures to prevent the spread of the virus;
• Religious, cultural and sporting practitioners during the exercise of their activities.

Police checks

The police will continue to carry out checks and interventions where required. The spread of the virus can only be contained if the public act in a responsible manner.