Last chance to shop: long queues, many disciplines ...

Crowds in Antwerp’s Stadsfeestzaal, in the Wijnegem Shopping Center and on the Bredabaan — © Patrick De Roo, Jan Van der Perre

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In many places in our region there were long queues at the shops on Saturday morning. Visitors hope to buy all kinds of stuff before the stores have to close due to the new corona measures. The crowds were great at toy stores such as Dreamland in Wilrijk and Merksem, the Action stores and furniture stores. The queue seemed to be disciplined everywhere, although virologist Erika Vlieghe reacts worried. In the early afternoon it was extremely busy on the Meir where it is more difficult to keep enough distance.

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Perhaps because many people still wanted to buy Sinterklaas presents quickly, it took a long time to queue at toy stores such as Dreamland, but also, for example, the Lego store in the Wijnegem Shopping Center.

It was also extremely busy on the Bredabaan in Merksem and Schoten and along the A12 in Wilrijk, where many large chains are located. Just like with the reopening after the first lockdown, people lined up early at the Action stores. In the Stadsfeestzaal on the Meir, customers even had to wait on the stairs to maintain sufficient distance. In the early afternoon it became too busy on the Meir itself.

The police had to intervene at the Action in the Stadsfeestzaal on the Meir. “That was at the request of Action itself because the staff had difficulty keeping the situation under control, for example in terms of distance rules,” said the Antwerp police.

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Pressed on the Meir — © JVDP

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Runshoppen

At Ikea in Wilrijk there was a long queue in the underground car park. The queuing was done in a disciplined manner and shopping went quickly. ”We did everything we could to ensure that the flow in the store runs as smoothly and safely as possible. This is not fun shopping, but run shopping today ”, the store manager told Het Journaal.

Anxiety

The experts, meanwhile, are concerned about these queues. “We can turn the tide, but then we have to stick to the rules. We absolutely must not cut corners now. When I see that there are already long queues at the shops, I think ‘don’t do that right now’ ”, says infectiologist Erika Vlieghe.

Extra checks in Antwerp

Bart De Wever, mayor of Antwerp, warns that shoppers will be extra checked by the police this weekend

“For many, it may be their last chance to go shopping this weekend,” he says. “In addition, tomorrow will be shopping Sunday in Antwerp and all shops in the historic center will be open. May I therefore ask everyone, with urge, to strictly follow all corona rules regarding shopping. Do not come with more people than allowed, keep your distance and wear a mouth mask. ”