Despite the measures taken by the Belgian government to contain the coronavirus, the Brussels Early Market can remain open at this usual trading hours. However, these measures only apply to the food sector, which forced the flower hall to close its doors. The flower hall will be closed until 5th of April for the time being.
Benjamin Brolet Photography
“In order to work in complete safety, we distributed safety instructions and urged all our traders to limit contact in their sales areas: no more than 1 customer per 10 m² in the warehouses,” says Anicée Henin from Mabru. "Most of our traders ask their customers to place their orders in advance and apply strict hygiene procedures from hand washing to disinfecting their retail premises."
“Some traders who supply the catering industry have run into problems due to the closure of all catering businesses. However, those who supply food stores currently have an extraordinary amount of sales. The situation differs for every trader,” Henin continues. “Almost all warehouses of the Early Market, with the exception of one or two traders, are open. Various traders have adjusted their opening hours by closing earlier or only working on large market days.”
Benjamin Brolet Photography
“Due to the exceptional health conditions, we have taken measures to limit access to the site. This means that private individuals may no longer come to do their shopping on the site, so that professionals can do their work in this way by keeping safe distances. Strict checks are carried out at the entrance to prohibit access to private individuals,” says Anicée.
All Mabru personnel are available 24 hours a day to ensure supply continuity. The management of Mabru remains in contact with the mayor of Brussels for public order and the developments at Mabru.
The Mabru can not give a definite answer to the number of visitors until the end of the month. “But we have noticed that the activities of the market have certainly not stopped. There are somewhat fewer visitors to the site, but that is because more and more traders deliver themselves. Nevertheless, the parking lot is well filled every day and work continues as usual,” Anicée continues. “Although everything keeps on going, we are certainly concerned about the situation and the measures that are being imposed. We hope that the situation will soon go back to normal.”
Benjamin Brolet Photography
For more information:
Mabru
Anicée Henin
T: +32(0)2 215 51 69
anicee.henin@mabru.be
www.mabru.be