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On Sunday, the city of Mechelen will join the measures announced by Antwerp governor Cathy Berx to combat the spread of the corona virus, such as reducing the permitted social bubble. In addition, Mechelen suspends all public and private events and sports club matches must take place behind closed doors. Willebroek also cancels all events and also introduces a general mouth mask obligation.
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“I am satisfied that there is more clarity and applaud the communication of the governor,” said Mechelen mayor Alexander Vandersmissen (Open Vld). “In the current context, it would absolutely not be wise to take other measures than in other parts of the province. I realize that these are tough measures, but they are necessary if we want to avert a new lockdown. ”
Vandersmissen also asks the governor that his inhabitants write down their ten permanent contacts for the next four weeks. In the public domain, no one should ever meet with more than ten people.
Earlier this week, Mechelen already decided to introduce a general mouth mask obligation on top of the federal obligations on the public domain in the entire city center of Mechelen – the area within the vests – and on the car parks of chain stores. In contrast to the city of Antwerp, the number of infections in Mechelen remains limited.
Also in Willebroek
The municipality of Willebroek will also cancel all planned events until the end of August, including neighborhood parties, food days and play streets. In addition, wearing a mouth mask is mandatory throughout the municipality’s public domain, except when consuming, exercising or cycling. “The playing time is over,” says mayor Eddy Bevers (N-VA). “Willebroek, stay in your bubble.”
Willebroek had ten new infections with the virus last week. “I note that despite our enormous efforts to raise awareness among the residents, there is no improvement,” says Bevers. “We must now go a step further. Our security forces are stepping up controls and will take strict action if they notice that measures are not being followed. ”
Willebroek also joins the Klein-Brabant Vaartland Primary Zone and the local GP circle to conduct local contact investigations, in the hope of quickly identifying and responding to any regional outbreaks.
“I am more than satisfied that our governor has initiated clear and stricter measures,” said Bevers. “I hope that every Willebroekenaar will stick to the measures in order to stop the virus together. I also understand that these new measures are tough on our residents and associations. We are looking into what further support we can offer them. ”
Mouth mask mandatory throughout Zoo and Planckendael
From this weekend, a mouth mask is also mandatory in the entire domain in the Antwerp Zoo and Planckendael animal park in Mechelen. Until now this was only the case in the buildings and in the busiest places. The zoos hand out mouth masks at the entrance.
The Zoo and Planckendael point out on their website that, apart from the mouth mask obligation, keeping the distance from other visitors remains the rule and that people still work with a limited capacity to avoid crowds. Alcohol gel is also provided here and there to be able to disinfect the hands regularly.
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