Federal Minister of Mobility Georges Gilkinet (Ecolo) has asked to abolish the mouth mask requirement on public transport. “Abolishing the mouth masks today, that would be too early. But in the summer the virus circulates less, in the long run that should certainly be feasible," responds virologist Marc Van Ranst.

The number of people admitted to Belgian hospitals with Covid-19 is falling sharply. This is evident from the latest figures from health institute Sciensano on Tuesday. 

“In the summer, the virus circulates less anyway,” says virologist Marc Van Ranst. “Today the virus is still circulating too much. Abolishing the mouth mask requirement everywhere would not be a good idea. But in the long run it should certainly be possible: in the summer the virus circulates less anyway." reaction on the Bruzz.be website.

Pieterjan Desmet, spokesman for competent minister Elke Van den Brandt (Green) does not want to take a position on the abolition yet: “As always, we will implement what the consultation committee decides. But we understand the demand because it is one of the last commitments currently in force.”

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