Last week, the number of daily coronavirus infections in a country of 11 million people exceeded 20,000. Intensive care units employ more than 800 beds out of 2,000 throughout Belgium.
“We are going through the most difficult weeks during the pandemic,” Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo told a news conference. He added that the fourth autumn wave is more serious than expected, and the level of virus reproduction is one of the highest in Europe.
– Obviously, we are dealing with a crisis situation, we must stop the spread of the virus, because the pressure on the hospital is too great. Therefore it was necessary to act quickly, – the head of the Belgian government added.
Belgium. New restrictions
Federal and regional authorities have decided that masks will be mandatory from the age of six, instead of twelve as before. If two cases of infection are detected in the classroom, students will be sent to quarantine. Lessons in secondary schools will be in hybrid mode – half of the lessons will be remote.
Kindergartens and primary schools will close on December 18. Indoor events with more than 200 people will be banned. Sports competitions. whether it is possible to hold matches in the halls, but without the participation of the public. There is still a commitment to work remotely 4 days a week and there is a call to limit social contacts.