On December 28, the Belgian government suffered a defeat when an advisory group decided to postpone a Cabinet-ordered cultural sector closure.

The original action was announced on December 22 by Prime Minister Alexander De Croo in response to a significant increase in the percentage of tests in Belgium revealing the Omicron strain. Under new restrictions that took effect on Sunday, movie theatres, performance halls, and cultural institutions were ordered to close their doors.

Approximately 5,000 people flocked to the streets in Brussels on Sunday to protest the closing of cultural establishments, according to police. Authorities have been accused of targeting the industry because pubs and restaurants have been permitted to continue operating.

Thousands of Belgian artists, cinema owners, event organisers, and others demonstrated on Sunday in protest of the country’s cultural life being shut down to combat the omicron variant’s spread.

Now, depending on the size of the room, theatres will be able to seat up to 200 people. Face masks will be required, as well as a COVID-19 permit.