There is «a slight decrease in confirmed new cases and the number of deaths» in Belgium since the beginning of Covid-19 outbreak, said virologist, professor Steven Van Gucht. However, according to him, the next couple of weeks will be certainly tough, not the least for health workers. As of Monday 23.03.2020, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Belgium is 3743, since the beginning of the pandemic 88 patients have died, as reported by The Brussels Times. 

Local authorities keep reminding people about hand hygiene and the necessity to stay at home. Last weekend the police in several areas of Brussels drew up more than 220 reports concerning people who violated the ban on all gatherings, the fines for this misconduct can be up to 350 euros. 

Belgian doctors say that all people with symptoms of the coronavirus must not leave their houses; they are not allowed to go to shops and pharmacies. But tests are provided only for patients with aggravated symptoms, and these people are asked to call a hospital ASAP in case of problems with breathing. 

Belgium’s borders are closed for all non-essential trips, and the border control is much stricter than usual. Belgian schools are open only for those children whose parents have to work (doctors, police officers, etc.), it is prohibited to leave kids with their grandparents because of the high risks of the coronavirus for older people. The crèches also remain open. But, according to the Flemish newspaper Het Nieuwsblad more and more children stay at home, only approximately 1.5% go now to primary and secondary school in Flanders. 

Belgium closed last week all shops other than food shops and newsagents. For the moment hairdressing saloons remain open: they are allowed to serve only one present customer. However, hairdressers call on the government to close their saloons. If they do it without a government decision, they are not entitled to 4000 euros of a premium envisaged in such cases.Covid-19: Belgium has a slight decrease in the spread 

There is «a slight decrease in confirmed new cases and the number of deaths» in Belgium since the beginning of Covid-19 outbreak, said virologist, professor Steven Van Gucht. However, according to him, the next couple of weeks will be certainly tough, not the least for health workers. As of Monday 23.03.2020, the total number of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Belgium is 3743, since the beginning of the pandemic 88 patients have died, as reported by The Brussels Times. 

Local authorities keep reminding people about hand hygiene and the necessity to stay at home. Last weekend the police in several areas of Brussels drew up more than 220 reports concerning people who violated the ban on all gatherings, the fines for this misconduct can be up to 350 euros. 

Belgian doctors say that all people with symptoms of the coronavirus must not leave their houses; they are not allowed to go to shops and pharmacies. But tests are provided only for patients with aggravated symptoms, and these people are asked to call a hospital ASAP in case of problems with breathing. 

Belgium’s borders are closed for all non-essential trips, and the border control is much stricter than usual. Belgian schools are open only for those children whose parents have to work (doctors, policemen, etc.), it is prohibited to leave kids with their grandparents because of the high risks of the coronavirus for older people. The crèches also remain open. But, according to the Flemish newspaper Het Nieuwsblad more and more children stay at home, only approximately 1.5% go now to primary and secondary school in Flanders. 

Belgium closed last week all shops other than food shops and newsagents. For the moment hairdressing saloons remain open: they are allowed to serve only one present customer. However, hairdressers call on the government to close their saloons. If they do it without a government decision, they are not entitled to 4000 euros of a premium envisaged in such cases. 

 NATALIA RICHARDSON FOR PROMOTE UKRAINE  

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