To Brussels population: Everything you need to know for today – Monday:
Terror threat level 4 remains up in Brussels region and Level 3 for the rest of the kingdom of Belgium. That is the decision announced early this morning by the National Security Council based on the informations supplied by Coördinatieorgaan voor de Dreigingsanalyse or OCAD (Coordinating Council for Threat Analysis), the Belgian Intelligence Service.
Prime Minister Charles Michel said a while ago that “the threat remains serious and imminent. Level 4 is exceptional and that also means exceptional measures. We fear an attack Paris-style in Brussels.”
The FEDERAL GOVERNMENT will take additional measures: strengthening the presence of police and army, for which additional resources are made available; a reduction in the number of major events where many people come together; malls, shopping and public transportation remain potential targets of terrorists.
All METRO or SUBWAYS will remain close.
DE LIJN bus and MIVB will operate but in a limited capacity only.
TRAINS will run normal.
SCHOOLS: All kindergartens, elementary, high schools, colleges and universities are closed today in Brussels.
KU LEUVEN had already suspends all classes and activities on the Brussels campuses.
Also Flemish Welfare Minister Jo Vandeurzen has asked the Dutch-speaking crèches in Brussels to close their reception. Small family child care has the option to continue to provide care. The nurseries have asked the parents to be notified.
CHILD & FAMILY has announced that the service will be suspended in the Brussels Region. It involves consultations in the clinic and home visits to families with young children.
Vilvoorde Mayor Hans Bonte, has decided all 22 schools closed today.
All schools in the municipality of Dilbeek, on the outskirts of Brussels are also closed. This includes the schools Campus Wemmel and the KTA Pro Technica in Halle.
SCHOOLS IN THE REST OF FLANDERS: Minister of Education Hilde Crevits announced that Flemish schools are open today but additional security measures are implemented.
Flemish primary and secondary schools will have the explicit advice from the authorities as long as the threat level remains at 4. But they are not allowed to make it to Brussels. All school trips in Brussels are suspended.
SHOPS: Most shops, relaxation areas, markets and sports facilities will be closed. The idea is to put as many security personnel in the area.
WHAT SHOPS ARE OPEN? All Carrefour shops in Brussels are open today though additional security measures have been taken. Only the shops in the Rogier Metro Station and the shopping center City 2 remain closed. The headquarters in Evere also open its doors.
All Delhaize shops in Brussels are open, except those in the shopping Westland and Basilix. but there will be additional monitoring for each store. The headquarters of Delhaize in Molenbeek is also open but personnel who wants to do telework is allowed.
BANKS: The banks also take measures after the decision of the National Security Council. KBC closed three offices in Brussels and headquarters in the Avenue du Port. BELFIUS Bank’s 2,200 employees at its headquarters in Brussels are recommended to work at home. The branches of BNP PARIBAS FORTIS are open for the customers but in the Brussels region, access will only be possible after identification. ING agencies based in Brussels and Vilvoorde region will remain open but works with the doors closed.
The FINANCE MINISTRY, a department with 8,500 staff in Brussels are asked to work from home.
The FLEMISH GOVERNMENT buildings in Brussels is open Monday. The work and services running as normal. The security services provide extra security at the entrance of the buildings. Managers may decide to have their staff to leave and do teleworking instead.
The ATOMIUM is open for public today as well as the Cocoon Fair in the palaces of Heysel after consultation with its Chairman Mr. Freddy Thielemans and in accordance with the police authorities. But necessary steps were taken to ensure the safety of staff, visitors and the building.
CONCERT HALLS Ancienne Belgique and Botanique’s scheduled concerts today are cancelled. Muntpunt and the National Library are closed. People who have borrowed books may extend through the website.
SELOR: Selection Service Selor cancel all interviews, selection and language tests scheduled for today. The tests will be rescheduled at a later time. Candidates will be updated via website.
ASYLUM Desk: Minister Theo Francken declared the Immigration Service suspended Monday.
We are expecting from the Belgian authorities a new assessment of the terror threat later this afternoon. I will keep you posted.
