As part of measures to control the coronavirus outbreak, Belgium is going into full lockdown as of midday tomorrow. This was announced by the government today.
People will only be allowed to leave their homes for food shopping, to go to the doctor, or to go to work if there’s no possibility to work from home.
The lockdown will last 18 days until April 5.
Belgium Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès announced that all non-essential shops will be closed.
Her current government is only allowed to make decisions based on coronavirus as it is a “crisis government” as Belgium has not had a formal government since May 26, 2019.
This is their first act since officially forming their government with Belgium’s parliament’s full backing over the last 24 hours.
Banks will remain open, as well as pharmacies, newsagents, food shops and supermarkets to avoid hoarding.
The move comes on the back of the latest coronavirus figures for the country: 172 new confirmed cases, bringing their total to 1,058.
Belgian infectious disease specialist, Erika Vlieghe, explained the move toward tomorrows tightening of already strict rules.
She said: “Throughout the weekend people have not lived by (Thursday’s) measurements, so the measures would not have been effective and the epidemic would have continued.”
Belgium follows in the footsteps of France and Spain as the virus pandemic grows.
