Breaking News: Belgium Returns to National Lockdown

Belgium has announced a return to a national lockdown as the latest coronavirus figures show it has the highest infection rate in Europe.

From Monday, all non-essential shops and businesses offering personal services like hair salons have been ordered to close until the middle of December. Any gatherings in public spaces must be limited to a maximum of four people. Supermarkets can only sell essential goods and households are allowed just one visitor.

Autumn school holidays have also been extended until 15 November. The existing night-time curfew measures and closures of bars and restaurants will remain in place. Belgians will be allowed to welcome only one close contact into their homes. Those who live alone will be allowed two of these so-called “cuddle contacts”. Beyond their home, gatherings will be limited to a maximum of four people.

Belgium now has the highest infection rate in Europe with more than half of the 2,000 beds in its intensive care units (ICU) already occupied by Covid patients. Prime Minister Alexander de Croo said on Friday the country “finds itself in a health emergency”.