LOC21:50
18:50 GMT
BRUSSELS, Oct 16 (KUNA) -- Belgium Friday tightened measures which include night curfew, closing of restaurants, and restriction of contacts, in order to fight the spread of COVID-19 in the country.
"Our country is in the highest alert phase: Phase 4," Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo told a press conference this evening.
"The number of infections is rising every day, and very rapidly. Our doctors and hospitals are under heavy pressure. We are fighting an unequal battle with this virus," he warned.
Restaurants across the entire country have to close for four weeks from Monday. Cafes are already closed. After two weeks, the measure will be evaluated.
A curfew will be implemented, prohibiting people from leaving their homes for non-essential reasons between midnight and 5:00 AM.
People will only be allowed to have one close contact, outside their own household. Families can also invite up to four guests, always the same ones, every two weeks.
Teleworking where possible will be made mandatory again. Where this is not possible, everything has to be done to make sure people can work safely. (end)
nk.mt