people over the age of five. those with a medical justification will be exempt. the government says it's necessary because of a rise in infections and the spread of variants such as omicron. the country suffered a crippling first wave of the virus in 2020, with dead bodies left on the streets as hospitals and mortuaries were overwhelmed. let's get some of the day's other news. the belgian government has decided to close the country's two nuclear power plants and their seven reactors by 2025. the decision could leave belgium with an electricity shortfall, if alternative generating capacity is not brought on stream. ministers have, however, pledged funds for research into other forms of nuclear power. the actorjames franco has admitted having sex with students from his acting school, almost four years after allegations were made against him. the 43—year—old agreed to pay over two million dollars injuly, after being sued for engaging in, quote, "sexually—charged behaviour towards female students". but he said he didn't start the school to lure women for sexual purposes.