Are you considering a summer trip to Manneken Pis, the Atomium or any other of Belgium's attractions?

Then maybe it's time to think again.

Starting Monday, a two-week quarantine and a mandatory corona test will apply to entry from Sweden to Belgium, the Belgian Foreign Ministry announced. The same rules also apply to arrivals from Leicester in the UK, two areas in Spain and several parts of Portugal, including the capital Lisbon.

Since this weekend, Belgian citizens have also been advised against making non-essential trips to Sweden.

Travel rules are updated ongoing and valid until further notice.

Foreign Minister Ann Linde (S) was allowed to enter to participate in Monday's ministerial meeting in Brussels, but is still not happy with the border barrier.

”"I think it's a great shame that there have been so many borders throughout Europe. The main issue is to have social distancing, that you wash your hands and that you don't go out if you have the slightest symptoms. And it doesn't matter if it's within Sweden or in another country," Linde tells SVT and TT after the meeting. 

”"It is the wrong strategy to close borders. That is not what keeps the infection from spreading," Linde believes.

Belgium is, after tiny San Marino, the country in Europe worst hit per capita by the coronavirus crisis, with around 9,800 deaths. Although the number of new cases has dropped dramatically recently, there is continued concern that the spread will pick up again.

Last week, for example, the requirement to wear face masks was tightened to apply to all stores in the country. Face masks have previously also been required on all public transport, at airports and railway stations.

Source: TT