Belgium takes new steps to avoid widespread COVID-19 lockdown

Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes announced on Monday new anti-COVID-19 measures taken by the National Security Council (NSC) to prevent re-imposing a general lockdown in the country, reported Xinhua.

From July 29 and for a minimum of four weeks, the number of people in a social contact bubble which currently stands at 15 will be reduced to five for every family. Children under the age of 12 are not included.

The number of participants in the events that attract large crowds will be limited to 100 for indoors and 200 for outdoors. "Wearing masks at these events will also be compulsory," said Wilmes.

Teleworking is strongly recommended when possible to avoid too much contact among colleagues.

In addition, local authorities have been allowed to take firm action in their municipalities, whenever the epidemiological situation worsens.

The NSC had an emergency meeting here on Monday in view of the renewed spread of COVID-19 throughout Belgium and particularly in the city of Antwerp.

According to the figures published on Monday by the public health institute Sciensano, the daily average of new infections was 279 over the past seven days. The rate of transmission has remained above 1 for several days, a very worrying situation. The institute noted that 47 percent of the new infections last week had been reported in the province of Antwerp.

"The urgency of the situation in Antwerp demands and requires strong measures that must be taken and put into effect quickly," Wilmes said.

In order to fight the coronavirus effectively, the prime minister called on every citizen to contribute to the collective efforts without exception, by respecting barrier gestures, protecting themselves and others.