Belgium makes U-turn to allow theatres, cinemas to reopen (updated)

Kinepolis NV

29/12/2021 18:34

(Updates after decision taken)
    BRUSSELS, Dec 29 (Reuters) - The Belgian government reversed
course on Wednesday by allowing theatres to reopen after a court
suspended their closure ordered a week ago to try to stem the
surge in infections from the Omicron coronavirus variant.
    The ruling from the Council of State https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/belgian-theatres-win-court-battle-reopen-after-covid-closures-2021-12-28
 did not cover cinemas, but the government said they too could
reopen because they operate under the same conditions as
theatres.
    Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, ministers and regional
chiefs met by video link on Wednesday before De Croo tweeted
that the rules would be changed.
    Theatres, cinemas and concert venues would be allowed to
receive audiences of up to 200 people at a time, all seated and
wearing masks and only allowed in with a COVID pass to prove
vaccination, a negative test or a recent recovery.
    The rule change would take effect from Thursday. Some cinema
groups said they would restart then. Kinepolis  KIPO.BR , the
largest operator of multiplex cinemas, said it would reopen on
Jan. 1.
    Other indoor venues, such as casinos and bowling alleys,
will remain closed. 
    De Croo's government and regional chiefs decided last week https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/belgium-shut-cinemas-theatres-omicron-cases-surge-2021-12-22
 to close cinemas and theatres and play sporting fixtures behind
closed doors, while allowing bars, restaurants, gyms and other
indoor sports venues to continue as before.
    Belgium, home to European Union institutions and the
headquarters of NATO, has seen infections fall since a late
November peak, but Omicron cases are rapidly rising, and now
make up well over half of all COVID-19 cases. 
    Belgium has recorded 881 cases per 100,000 people over the
past two weeks, less than half November's peak.

 (Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop;
Editing by Alison Williams and Giles Elgood)
 ((philip.blenkinsop@thomsonreuters.com; +32 2 585 2869:
@reutersPhilB;))