The Belgian government is tightening restrictions on public life due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the second wave of which hit the country hard, Prime Minister Alexander de Croe said on Friday.
Under these restrictions, all non-essential goods stores must be closed, but customers can still order and receive goods online. People working in professions that have close contact with the client, such as hairdressers, will have to stop working altogether.
Social contacts will be strictly limited to one household visit per week. An exception is made for people living alone – they will be allowed two visits a week.
“These are last resort measures,” de Croe said after the government’s crisis talks. “We all need to ensure that these measures have an effect.”
The government had already closed all bars, cafes and restaurants this week, and set a night curfew. Working from home is already mandatory if possible.
Belgium has the highest proportion of Covid-19 infections in Europe in terms of population, according to the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. In many parts of the country, hospitals are already filled with Covid-19 patients.
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