Code yellow: Covid Safe Ticket and masks phased out in Belgium from Monday

Belgium's Covid Safe Ticket system will be suspended on Monday (7 March) and masks will no longer be required in most public places except transport and healthcare institutions.

The consultative committee has agreed to downgrade Belgium's coronavirus alert level from orange to yellow - the lowest of the three levels on the country's coronavirus barometer.

The decision comes as all of Belgium's coronavirus figures are in decline. Average daily hospital admissions are down 25% in the past week at 130. There are currently 2,056 coronavirus patients in hospital, of whom 217 are in intensive care.

Daily confirmed cases stand at 5,854 with an infection rate of 0.86 - confirming that the fifth wave of coronavirus is in decline.

"We are turning an important page," said prime minister Alexander De Croo. "This is evidence of our collective perseverance and resilience."

From Monday, the Covid Safe Ticket - which provides proof that you are fully vaccinated, recently recovered or have tested negative for coronavirus - will no longer be required to sit inside at cafes and restaurants or attend cultural events.

Masks are no longer compulsory in indoor public spaces, such as cultural venues and shopping centres, but are still "recommended". They must still be worn on public transport, in hospitals, doctor's surgeries and care homes.

Also from Monday, travellers entering Belgium from another EU country will no longer have to fill out a Passenger Locator Form.

"We have crossed mountains and tides," De Croo said. "We have paid a heavy human price: 30,000 people have died because of this terrible virus. We have shownn that if we take care of each other, we are able to get over the most difficult obstacles."

The consultative committee is due to meet again on 25 March.