For the time being, there will be no overarching federal measures for visits to the cemetery during All Saints ‘Day and All Souls’ Day. This confirms the cabinet of Minister of Health Frank Vandenbroucke (SP.A). Many local authorities have already required mouth masks in cemeteries in the period around All Saints’ Day.
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Traditionally we visit the cemetery on 1 or 2 November to commemorate our deceased. So on those days a lot of people come to the cemeteries to seek comfort together. Afterwards, it is often also agreed within a family to have a nice meal and drink together. Under normal circumstances, this does not only happen in a café or restaurant, but also in people’s homes.
All Saints’ Day therefore seems a perfect opportunity for the corona virus to spread further among the population again. Yet the federal government is not currently imposing additional measures. “In any case, the Consultation Committee meets at regular intervals and we keep a close eye on the situation,” said Jan Eyckmans, Minister Vandenbroucke’s spokesman. ‘If we see that the figures continue to rise, new measures may be taken.’
‘We understand that All Saints’ Day is a period in which people seek and find comfort from each other, but it is important that we all now adhere to the current measures,’ Eyckmans continues. ‘You can invite family to your home, but that can be a maximum of four people and you have to keep a distance of five feet.’
In West Flanders and Brabant it is, but in Antwerp and Limburg there is no mandatory mouth mask
Many mayors and governors themselves take extra measures in response to All Saints’ Day. In the provinces of West Flanders and Flemish Brabant there is a mouth mask obligation in cemeteries from 24 October to 8 November, in East Flanders the obligation applies from 26 October to 8 November.
There will be no such provincial measure in Antwerp and Limburg, the provincial governors let cities and municipalities decide for themselves whether or not to introduce additional rules. In Limburg, sixteen municipalities have already decided to make face masks mandatory in the cemeteries.
Mass on All Saints ‘Day and All Souls’ Day may continue in any case, provided that a distance of 1.5 meters can be kept. A maximum of 40 people may be present per building. Anyone present over the age of twelve is also obliged to wear a mouth mask. Necessary hand hygiene must also be provided in every church.
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