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Over 200 million coronavirus vaccine doses administered in EU: More than 200 million coronavirus vaccine doses have been administered in the European Union, and nearly 53 million Europeans have been fully vaccinated. This is just under 12% of the EU’s total population.
‘A few thousand’ Flemish residents vaccinated faster in Brussels using false postal code: By lying about their postal code, “a few thousand” people living in Flanders abused the Bruvax registration system to get vaccinated before their turn.
All people who refused coronavirus vaccine to be offered second chance: All people who fail to turn up for their first coronavirus vaccination appointment will receive a second invitation to be vaccinated at the end of the campaign.
Belgians increasingly prefer digital payments: Digital payments are increasingly preferred over cash in Belgium, a trend only reinforced by the coronavirus pandemic, according to recent research from the Vrije Universiteit Brussel.
Temporary unemployment doubled under shopping by appointment measure: Shopping by appointment, the coronavirus fighting measure imposed by the Belgian government during the 'Easter pause,’ resulted in a doubling of temporary unemployment in the retail sector.
Government extends coronavirus support measures until end of September: Belgium’s core federal ministers decided on Monday evening to extend a series of support measures for companies and self-employed people whose businesses have been impacted by the coronavirus crisis until 30 September.
Japanese doctors’ association calls for Tokyo Olympics to be cancelled: A Japanese doctors’ association called for the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympic Games, saying they could further worsen the country's already precarious health situation as it is battling a fourth wave of coronavirus infections.
Airlines extend free rebooking policies amid uncertainty regarding summer travel: With uncertainty still looming over summer travel with regards to the coronavirus pandemic, Brussels Airlines is the latest to announce they’re extending the option for free rebooking up to 31 July.
Carbon neutrality ‘only possible if all new oil and gas exploration is abandoned: Governments must give up all new oil and gas exploration projects if the world is to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and have a chance of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, according to the International Energy Agency.
The Brussels Times
