CORONA UPDATE - AND NEWS FROM BELGIUM

The CORONA virus continues to move to more and more countries all over the world.  They are hit – not only by the virus itself – but also by the strong measures taken by the authorities to stop it or at least delay it moving on. And the world is also hit by severe economic consequences.  In Europe each country as well as the EU are working hard to address the problems.
If you want to follow, how Corona develops in Europe, you can consult the website of the EU agency, EDCD ( European Centre for Desease Prevention and Control ) in Sweden. The web address is:



By looking at this site you can very easily follow developments in each country day by day.



Here in BELGIUM the government’s CRISIS CENTRE took a number of very important decisions last night.  They make clear that they do not want to go as far as Italy by closing almost everything in the country.  Until yesterday 314 infected people had been identified – and three persons have died from the virus ( 90, 86 and 73 years old ).


The following measures take effect as of Saturday – and will last at least until April 3:


1)      All schools and educational institutions are closed and work with distance learning.  Kindergardens will continue to be open.

2)      Cafes, restaurants, night clubs, etc. close

3)      Cultural and sports activities are called off

4)      Shops continue to be open on weekdays ( not Saturday and Sundays ). Food shops and pharmacies are also open in weekends

5)      Public transport continues

6)      If possible, promote working from home



All this is decided to try to reduce peoples’ direct contact with other people as much as possible. 


The EU institutions in Brussels have asked their staff to work from home, if possible.



As you might know, president Macron announced very similar initiatives in France last night.   The planned local elections in the country on Sunday will, though, go on.

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