B.elgien has registered a first case with the new corona variant B.1.1.529, which was initially found in southern Africa. Belgian Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke announced this at a press conference on Friday.
Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo also announced travel restrictions for travelers from countries in southern Africa. Caution is needed, but don’t panic, Vandenbroucke said.
At the same time, Belgium is reintroducing stricter rules for private parties, restaurants and nightlife. “The situation today is worse than any of the scenarios that the experts had calculated for us,” said De Croo.
Just over a week ago, Belgium introduced stricter corona measures, including a partial home office requirement. Nevertheless, the number of infections in the country with 11.5 million inhabitants continues to skyrocket. According to the latest data from the Sciensano health authority, over 25,000 new infections have been reported each day – more than ever since the pandemic began.