Molenbeek reintroduces mandatory face coverings
The
Brussels borough of Sint-Jans-Molenbeek is reintroducing the mandatory wearing
of face coverings in shopping streets and public buildings. The measure comes after cases of coronavirus
surged 16% across the Brussels region in the week to 28 March.
The measure
that applies till 30 April affects everybody aged 12 and over. Face coverings must be worn outdoors in the
Ribaucourtstraat, on the Sint-Jan-Baptistvoorplein and on the Ninoofse- and
Gentsesteenweg. The measure also applies to the streets housing the test and
vaccination centres in the borough.
Face
coverings are also mandatory on all (flea) markets and during outdoor sales
days as well as in public buildings with public access. People flouting the rule risk a 350-euro
fine.
Rachid
Barghouti, spokesman for Mayor Moureaux, confirms that the Islamic month of
fasting, the Ramadan, also played a role in the decision: “We expect crowds in
commercial streets, towards the end of the afternoon at the end of the day’s
fasting”.
