Setback for Belgian govt as coronavirus measures overturned
ABC News
An advisory body in Belgium has suspended a government-ordered closure of part of the cultural sector
BRUSSELS -- In a setback for the Belgian government, an advisory body on Tuesday suspended a Cabinet-ordered closure of part of the cultural sector — saying that new coronavirus restrictions imposed on theaters are unreasonable.
Under new restrictions that took effect Sunday, movie houses, concert halls and art centers were ordered to shut their doors. Some stayed open in protest. The order came despite the assessment of the scientific committee advising the government that going to such places poses no extra risk to public health.
In an emergency procedure, the Council of State ruled that measures concerning theaters were “not proportionate,” and didn't provide enough motives to “understand why going to cultural sector performance venues was particularly dangerous for public health.”
The Council of State is an advisory body that has legal powers to overturn government decisions it considers unlawful.
