Light at the end of the COVID-19 tunnel? - Important changes as of 7 March 2022
7 March 2022: almost two years after the very first corona measures were introduced in Belgium, most of the corona measures have been thrown in the bin. Telework is no longer recommended on the work floor. However, companies are invited to set up a system of structural telework. The Generic Guide was also updated as of 7 March 2022: with the so-called “vigilance phase”, “intervention phase” and “critical phase”, a new interpretation is given to the different phases of a pandemic and appropriate measures are proposed for each phase.
Remote working is no longer recommended
A Royal Decree of 5 March 2022 abolishes the most important measures of the “code orange” phase, including the recommended remote working. As of 18 February 2022, remote working was already no longer compulsory, but only recommended. At that time, the obligation to attest and register as well as the regulation on return moments also disappeared. Therefore, we are now proceeding one step further in the sense that remote working is no longer considered to be a recommendation. At the same time, the Consultation Committee does formulate a general invitation to introduce a system of structural telework within the companies that have not yet taken any steps in this regard.
Our HR Beacon 2022 survey showed that many companies have already implemented a policy for working remotely.
Generic Guide gets a new interpretation
The Generic Guide steered companies through the corona pandemic, with clear instructions on how to develop prevention measures in the workplace. As we are now in a phase of easing restrictions, the Generic Guide has embarked on a new path. The aim is for the Generic Guide to become a general working tool that can also be used for future epidemics or pandemics. Three phases are introduced, depending on the level of risk of virus transmission within the company.
If, during an epidemic, the spread of the virus is considered to be reasonably under control, we will be in the “vigilance phase”. If additional measures are required because there are several infected persons within the company or because outbreaks may occur either within the company or within a particular sector or region, then we will be in the “intervention phase”. If there is a strongly increased virus circulation in the general population, sector or company, we will enter the “critical phase”. For each of these phases, a package of appropriate measures is provided, relating, for example, to the method of ventilation, the wearing of face masks, the organisation of rest and lunch breaks, meetings, training, etc.
It is important to note that these different phases are independent of any corona barometer or other trigger points related to general epidemic measures. The Generic Guide itself defines how and when a particular phase begins or ends.
The current vigilance phase
Today we are in the vigilance phase, and this will continue to be the case for two months after the end of the epidemic emergency. It has been announced that the epidemic emergency will effectively end on 11 March 2022, which means that this vigilance phase will in any case remain in force until mid-May 2022. During this phase, it is still emphasised that social distancing is the key element in preventing the spread of viruses. If social distancing cannot be guaranteed, face masks are still recommended. Various regulations are also applicable, for example regarding hygiene, public transport, circulation and simultaneous presence within the various areas of the company, as well as regarding company events and contacts with third parties.
Action point
As remote working is no longer a government-imposed measure nor recommendation, it may be useful for each company to consider whether a general system of structural remote working is appropriate within the company. It is also advisable, even during this exit phase, to devote the necessary attention to a few basic prevention measures within the company and to consult the Generic Guide for this purpose. And... fingers crossed, within two months the vigilance phase could also be discontinued and regained freedom could be celebrated within the company.