Belgium will allow almost all businesses to reopen on June 8, including cafes and bars, PM Sophie Wilmes said on Wednesday, adding that social distancing measures will remain. The country, which is now seeing a significant drop-off in the infection rate, will also reopen its borders to all fellow EU on June 15.

“From June 8 everything will be allowed, with exceptions,” Wilmes told reporters after a meeting of the national security council. Large gatherings will remain banned until August 31, and nightclubs also cannot open before the end of August.

Wilmes said cultural activities would continue without spectators until July 1, when cinemas and other cultural spaces can open with a maximum of 200 people.

Belgium, where the EU and NATO are headquartered, imposed a coronavirus lockdown on March 18. With 9,522 deaths from the outbreak, the densely populated country suffered one of the world’s highest per capital tolls from Covid-19, Reuters said.

Source: RT