Belgium: Government Decides on Immediate Closure of Amusement Parks for One Month

The Belgian federal government held a press conference this morning, following last night's meeting of the “consultation committee” which is in charge of taking decisions to slow down the spread of the coronavirus in the country. Among the different actions taken, they announced the temporary closure – effective immediately – of all amusement parks until November 19th at the earliest. According to Elio Di Rupo (Minister-President of Wallonia), the decision of closing all amusement parks was taken in order to avoid any concentration of people, as well as interactions between them.

On the other hand, the Belgian authorities informed that zoos and animal parks can stay open. Elio Di Rupo explained, “In the open air, we think people can respect social distancing while wearing a mask at the same time. The situation is tolerable. Nevertheless, all indoor areas have to close, and sales of drinks and food is not permitted anymore until further notice. We want to avoid people from being close to each other.”

No information was released about water parks which are thus still authorised to welcome guests until further notice.

Among the parks affected are Walibi Belgium, Plopsaland De Panne, Bellewaerde and Bobbejaanland. Most of them were supposed to be open until the end of the autumn holidays in the first week of November. As of we are publishing this news, all have updated their websites announcing they will be back in spring 2021, except for Plopsaland which is the only one to welcome visitors during winter times. (eap)