VSe Saturday, the health authorities counted 133 new infections with coronavirus in Belgium on 1.739 tests carried out, indicated indicates the SPF Public health Saturday morning. The total number of confirmed cases now stands at 689 in the country for a total of 10,500 tests.
The majority of the 133 newly infected people are from Flanders. In Wallonia and Brussels, there are 6 and 5 new patients respectively.
A fourth person died between Friday and Saturday, also announced the SPF. He is an 80 year old person. The three previous deaths from the virus were a 73-year-old patient admitted on March 4 at the Sainte-Elisabeth hospital (Cliniques de l’Europe), another 86-year-old who stayed in a nursing home in Rhode Saint Genèse and a nonagenarian.
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Following measures decided by the authorities, some reminders may have been necessary but the instructions were mostly followed.
Certain zoos called to order
The Antwerp zoo and the Planckendael animal park, located in Mechelen, were forced to close their doors on Saturday morning, at the explicit request of the authorities, confirmed the spokesman for the parent company of the KMDA establishments. In Antwerp, the police stand outside the zoo entrance to inform visitors and those who are already inside must now exit.
The two animal gardens were open as usual on Saturday morning, ignoring the authorities’ order to keep all recreational areas in the country closed. Only a few of the measures applied in the parks, such as staying at least one meter from other visitors or not paying with cash. In Planckendael, restaurants and shops were also closed.
Authorities closed the doors of the two settlements on Saturday morning. “The zoo does not fall under the exception of essential places, which can remain open at weekends,” said Antwerp police spokesman Wouter Bruyns.
According to the zoo spokesperson, attendance was not particularly strong on Saturday morning. “These were mostly subscribers looking for fresh air. “
Hair salons too
Hairdressers must also remain closed over the weekend, the Crisis Center said on Saturday. Several establishments appeared to be open to customers on Saturday morning, despite the ban on hairdressers and other so-called non-essential stores. “If we grant exceptions to everyone, we will get nowhere. “
Hairdressers cannot stay open over the weekend, Peter Crystals of the Crisis Center said again at a press conference on Saturday. “Hairdressing and beauty salons can open on weekdays, provided that by appointment. On weekends, they must remain closed, “he continued. “If we grant exceptions to everyone, we will get nowhere. “
Travel abroad not recommended
The FPS Foreign Affairs advises on Saturday on its website to postpone all trips abroad. “So many countries adopt quarantine measures or close their borders that a normal crossing of these cannot be guaranteed,” said the federal public service. The ad appears on the home page of the site.
As countries around the world are taking action to contain the spread of coronavirus, Belgian citizens are now at risk of being stranded abroad.
The ministry also said that “people currently abroad should first contact local authorities, their travel agency, tour operator or airline, for assistance. The Belgian Embassy competent for the country in question can be contacted in an emergency.
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