Examine individual changes

'{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}} {{Current disaster|event=pandemic|date=March 2020}} {{EngvarB|date=March 2020}} {{short description|Details of ongoing viral pandemic in the Belgium}} {{Infobox pandemic | name = 2020 coronavirus pandemic in Belgium | map1 = Spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Belgium.png | legend1 = {{center|Map of Belgium and its provinces with the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus as of 26 March 2020<ref>[https://epidemio.wiv-isp.be/ID/Documents/Covid19/Meest%20recente%20update.pdf ''COVID-19 – EPIDEMIOLOGISCH BULLETIN VAN 26 MAART 2020''], Sciensano, 26 March 2020</ref>}} | map2 = COVID-19_outbreak_Belgium_cases_per_capita_map.svg | legend2 = Confirmed cases per 100.000 inhabitants by province (as of 25 March 2020) {{legend|#fee5d9|< 15}} {{legend|#fcbba1|15-30}} {{legend|#fc9272|30-45}} {{legend|#fb6a4a|45-60}} {{legend|#de2d26|60-75}} {{legend|#a50f15|75+}} | map3 = | legend3 = | disease = [[COVID-19]] | virus_strain = [[SARS-CoV-2]] | location = [[Belgium]] | first_case = [[Brussels]] | arrival_date = 4 February 2020<br />({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=2|day1=4|year1=2020|month2=|day2=|year2=}} ago) | origin = [[Wuhan]], [[Hubei]], [[China]]<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.1038/d41586-020-00548-w |title=Mystery deepens over animal source of coronavirus|journal= Nature |volume=579|pages= 18–19 |date=26 February 2020|author=David Cyranoski|issue=7797|pmid=32127703}}</ref> | recovery_cases = 675 | deaths = 220 | active_cases = 4,937 | confirmed_cases = 4,937<ref>The actual number of infections in Belgium is estimated to be much higher than the number of cases confirmed by a laboratory test, because mild presentations are not necessarily recognized as suspected cases and hence not tested and because the NRC has been forced to apply a system of triage due to a lack of reagents required for testing. Diagnosed cases are an underestimate of the real number by a factor of between 5 and 10 according to Professor Marc Van Ranst.</ref> (= 42.9 cases per 100,000 head of population) | suspected_cases = | total_ili = | website = https://www.info-coronavirus.be/ }} {{2019–20 coronavirus pandemic data/Belgium medical cases chart}} The [[2019–20 coronavirus pandemic]] was confirmed to have spread to [[Belgium]] on 4 February 2020, when its first COVID-19 case was confirmed in [[Brussels]]. The pandemic only started on 1 March, when many skiers who had spent the school holiday around carnival in the North of Italy were allowed to return to work or school.<ref>Erika Vlieghe (UZA), [https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/03/12/opinie-rectoren-coronavirus/ VRT Journaal] 12 March 2020.</ref> Efforts to address the coronavirus outbreak in Belgium have to be managed by the nine federal and regional health ministers, [[Maggie De Block]] (Open VLD, federal government), [[Wouter Beke]] (CD&V, Flemish Community), {{ill|Christine Morreale|fr}} (PS, French Community), {{ill|Antonios Antoniadis (Belgian politician)|de|Antonios Antoniadis|lt=Antonios Antoniadis}} (SP, German-speaking Community), {{ill|Bénédicte Linard|fr}} (Ecolo, French Community), {{ill|Valérie Glatigny|fr}} (MR, French Community), {{ill|Alain Maron|fr}} (Ecolo, Brussels), {{ill|Elke Van den Brandt|nl}} (Groen, Brussels) and {{ill|Barbara Trachte|fr}} (Ecolo, Brussels).<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.brusselstimes.com/all-news/belgium-all-news/98588/heres-why-belgium-has-nine-health-ministers-regions-communities-powers-responsibilities-coronavirus/|title=Here's why Belgium has nine health ministers|publisher=[[The Brussels Times]]|date=5 March 2020}}</ref> with the support of: * [[Sciensano]], the national public health institute of Belgium, * other agencies such as the [[Agency for Care and Health (Flanders)|Agency for Care and Health]] in Flanders and the [[Agence wallonne pour une vie de qualité]] (AViQ) in Wallonia and the [[Common Community Commission]] in Brussels * the Risk Assessment Group (RAG) presided by Sciensano * the Risk Management Group (RMG) lead by Paul Pardon MD * a Coronavirus Scientific Committee (Steven Van Gucht, [[Marc Van Ranst]], Nathalie Bossuyt, Erika Vlieghe and Charlotte Martin).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/what-is-the-government-doing-about-it/|title=What is the government doing?|website=www.info-coronavirus.be|publisher=[[Federal Public Service Health (Belgium)]]}}</ref> Unlike most neighbouring countries ([[2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Netherlands|the Netherlands]], [[2020 coronavirus pandemic in France|France]], [[2020 coronavirus pandemic in Germany|Germany]] and the [[2020 coronavirus pandemic in the United Kingdom|UK]]), the Belgian authorities were not willing to provide information or statistics on where the cases are located, beyond statistics for each region: Flanders, Brussels and Wallonia.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20200305_04877096|title=Waarom ons land niet zegt waar de coronapatiënten wonen|agency=De Morgen|date=5 March 2020}}</ref> Sciensano started to publish statistics per province from 18 March onwards. The authorities do not disclose yet statistics per municipality. == Timeline == ===January 2020=== First reports of a [[coronavirus disease 2019|mysterious loung disease]] in the Chinese city of [[Wuhan]] started to appear in the Belgian press around 19 January.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200119_04811555|title=Zeventien nieuwe gevallen van mysterieuze longziekte vastgesteld in China|agency=De Standaard|date=19 January 2020}}</ref> ====Phase 1==== On 29 January, Belgium issued a travel notice advising against non-essential flights to China, Hong Kong excluded, with some travel companies cancelling all flights to China.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/01/29/buitenlandse-zaken-raadt-alle-niet-essentiele-reizen-naar-china/|title=Buitenlandse Zaken raadt alle niet-essentiële reizen naar China af wegens het coronavirus|agency=VRTnws|date=29 January 2020}}</ref> Chinese New Year celebrations were cancelled at the [[KU Leuven|University of Leuven]].<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/01/29/iedereen-aan-de-mondmaskers-wie-familie-heeft-in-china-koopt-oo/|title=Douaniers op onze luchthavens dragen voortaan mondmaskers: "Maar hier masker dragen tegen coronavirus heeft geen zin"|agency=VRTnws |date=29 January 2020}}</ref> =====Lack of masks and respirators===== Towards the end of January it became clear that Belgium had an insufficient stock of [[respirator]]s and [[surgical mask]]s but Jan Eyckmans of the [[Federal Public Service Health (Belgium)|Federal Public Service Health]] department claimed the Belgian hospitals had sufficient stock.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200129_04826442|title=China zuigt alle mondmaskers aan in België|publisher=De Standaard|date=29 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20200225_04864842 |title=Belgische apotheken kunnen vraag naar mondmaskers niet aan|publisher=[[Het Nieuwsblad]]|date=25 February 2020}}</ref> On 8 March the federal minister of public health [[Maggie De Block]] stated she had a solution for the shortage of masks but was unwilling to disclose the potential vendor and the number of masks involved.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200308_04880517|title=Maggie De Block heeft oplossing klaar voor tekort aan mondmaskers in ons land: 'Nog langer wachten is geen optie'|publisher=De Standaard|date=8 March 2020}}</ref> On 15 March, it became clear that the masks had not been delivered on time,<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200129_04826074|title=Niet zeker of ziekenhuizen bestelde maskers krijgen|publisher=De Standaard|date=15 March 2020}}</ref> and the following day De Block announced that her department's order of 5 million masks might have involved fraud.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200315_04890059|title=Mogelijk fraude: kans dat mondmaskers tijdig geleverd worden aan ons land, 'is miniem'|publisher=De Standaard|date=16 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200316_04890628|title=Alarm over mondmaskers na 'mogelijke fraude'|publisher=De Standaard|date=16 March 2020}}</ref> On 16 March, hospitals such as the [[UZ Leuven]] called for the public to bring in [[FFP2]] , [[FFP3]] respirators or [[Surgical mask|surgical masks]]<ref>[https://www.uzleuven.be/nl/nieuws/oproep-voor-mondmaskers ''Oproep voor mondmaskers''], UZ Leuven, 16 March 2020</ref> and the next day it became clear that De Block had blundered by ordering all 5 million masks from a single company (M.O.S.S.A. [[general partnership|vof]]), a consultancy firm that had no track record in the medical field and was owned by Mahmut Öz, a Belgo-Turkish politician from her own political affiliation.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200316_04891726|title=Flater De Block heeft zware gevolgen|publisher=De Standaard|date=17 March 2020}}</ref> On 19 March, a shipment of 100.000 FFP2 respirators arrived.<ref>{{cite news|language=French|url=https://www.lesoir.be/288625/article/2020-03-19/coronavirus-100000-masques-ffp2-sont-arrives-ce-jeudi-liege-et-seront|title=Coronavirus: 100.000 masques FFP2 sont arrivés ce jeudi à Liège et seront immédiatement distribués|publisher=Le Soir|date=19 March 2020}}</ref> On 20 March, a shipment from China of 5 million masks arrived at the airport of Bierset, but theses were surgical masks and not the type of respirators required to protect the medical staff.<ref>{{cite news|language=French|url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/societe/detail_coronavirus-les-5-millions-de-masques-arrives-en-belgique-achemines-vers-les-hopitaux?id=10462764|title=Coronavirus : les 5 millions de masques arrivés en Belgique acheminés vers les hôpitaux|publisher=RTBF|date=20 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|language=French|url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/societe/detail_5-millions-de-masques-arrives-de-chine-des-masques-chirurgicaux-une-protection-insuffisante-pour-le-covid-19?id=10464202|title=5 millions de masques arrivés de Chine : des masques chirurgicaux, une protection insuffisante pour le Covid-19|publisher=RTBF|date=21 March 2020}}</ref> Hospitals such as the Centre Hospitalier Interrégional Edith Cavell (CHIREC) reported that they were in dire need of protective masks.<ref>{{cite news|language=French|url=https://plus.lesoir.be/288954/article/2020-03-20/coronavirus-le-chirec-est-pret-pour-accueillir-le-pic-mais-il-manque-cruellement|title=Coronavirus: le Chirec est prêt pour accueillir le pic mais il manque cruellement de masques|publisher=Le Soir|date=20 March 2020}}</ref> Minister [[Philippe De Backer]] was charged with coordinating the efforts of the authorities to supply masks and respirators.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200322_04898232|title=De Backer moet tekort aan mondmaskers tegengaan|publisher=De Standaard|date=22 March 2020}}</ref> ===February 2020=== On 1 February, Belgian nationals living in Hubei were repatriated on a series of evacuation flights arriving at Melsbroek Military Airport close to [[Brussels]],<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.brusselstimes.com/all-news/belgium-all-news/93212/belgians-evacuated-from-china-arrive-in-brussels/ |title=Belgians evacuated from China amid coronavirus outbreak arrived in Brussels |author=Gabriela Galindo |date=3 February 2020 |website=The Brussel Times |url-status=live |access-date=5 February 2020}}</ref> where they were [[Quarantine|quarantined]] and examined in a military hospital. People tested positive for [[Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2|SARS-CoV-2]] were transferred to the Military Hospital of [[Neder-Over-Heembeek|Neder-over-Heembeek]] where they underwent a 14-day quarantine.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/01/27/belgie-haalt-15-landgenoten-terug-uit-hubei-na-uitbraak-coronav/|title=België haalt landgenoten terug uit Chinese provincie Hubei na uitbraak coronavirus|agency=VRTnws|date=27 January 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/01/30/maggie-de-block-open-vld-gerepatrieerde-belgen-moeten-14-dag/|title=Maggie De Block (Open VLD): "Gerepatrieerde Belgen moeten 14 dagen in quarantaine in Militair Hospitaal"|date=30 January 2020|agency=VRTnws}}</ref> On 4 February, Belgium confirmed the first case.<ref name="BRUS">{{cite web|url=https://www.brusselstimes.com/all-news/belgium-all-news/93361/first-case-of-coronavirus-confirmed-in-belgium/|title=First case of coronavirus confirmed in Belgium|date=4 February 2020|website=The Brussels Times}}</ref> The patient, an asymptomatic 54-year-old male was one of nine Belgians repatriated from China.<ref>{{cite web|language=Dutch|url=https://www.hln.be/in-de-buurt/wevelgem/belg-die-besmet-raakte-met-coronavirus-en-in-quarantaine-ligt-getuigt-plots-kwamen-ze-zeggen-dat-ze-slecht-nieuws-voor-me-hadden~a8cdd787|title=Belg die besmet raakte met coronavirus ...|date=4 February 2020|website=Het Laatste Nieuws}}</ref> He was quarantined at Saint-Pierre Hospital in [[Brussels]].<ref name="BRUS" /> On 21 February, a group of 10 Belgian citizens were allowed to return to Belgium after having been constrained on the [[MS Westerdam]] cruise ship for several days.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch |url=https://www.hln.be/nieuws/binnenland/vlucht-belgische-passagiers-westerdam-geland-in-nederland-hen-wacht-isolatie~a79ae26e/|title=Belgische passagiers Westerdam geland in Nederland, hen wacht isolatie|publisher=[[Het Laatste Nieuws]]|date=21 February 2020}}</ref> Two couples used public transport to return home, notwithstanding the requirement to be quarantined for 2 weeks.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch |url=https://www.hln.be/nieuws/buitenland/alle-belgen-weer-thuis-van-corona-cruise-twee-koppels-keerden-gewoon-met-openbaar-vervoer-terug-van-luchthaven~a1ce589f/|title=Alle Belgen weer thuis van corona-cruise: twee koppels keerden gewoon met openbaar vervoer terug van luchthaven|publisher=Het Laatste Nieuws|date=21 February 2020}}</ref> On 24 February, following the discovery of a COVID-19 case involving an Italian citizen, more than 100 Belgian citizens were put in [[quarantine]] in the [[H10 Hotels|H10 Costa Adeje Palace]] in [[Tenerife]] that was put on lockdown.<ref name=":7">{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/02/25/europe/tenerife-coronavirus-hotel-intl/index.html|title=Tenerife hotel on partial lockdown as Italian tests positive for coronavirus|author1=Laura Perez Maestro |author2=Niamh Kennedy |author3=Amy Woodyatt|website=CNN|access-date=29 February 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/02/29/corona-tenerife-toeristen/|title=Ongerustheid bij Belgen in quarantaine in hotel Tenerife: "Het is hier 'tirez votre plan', er is veel onduidelijk"|publisher=VRT|date=29 February 2020}}</ref> Fifteen people were allowed to return on 28 February. The remainder were allowed to travel back to Belgium on 5 March, without having been tested for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20200305_04877475|title=Belgen uit 'coronahotel' op Tenerife worden niet meer getest bij aankomst in ons land|publisher=Het Nieuwsblad|date=5 March 2020}}</ref> On 25 February, the Belgian federal minister of health Maggie De Block asserted that "Belgium was prepared" for the possible arrival of cases of infection with [[severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2]].<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/02/25/de-block-over-corona/|title=Minister De Block: "Kans is reëel dat coronavirus naar ons land komt, maar er is een plan"|publisher=VRT|date=25 February 2020}}</ref> [[File:Hospital_prefab-containers_built_next_to_the_emergency_department_for_the_COVID-19_crisis_in_%22UZA%22_Antwerp_University_Hospital_(Edegem,_Belgium),_Saturday_2020_March_14th,_14;59PM.jpg | thumb | Hospital prefab-containers built next to the emergency department for the COVID-19 crisis at the [[Antwerp University|Antwerp University Hospital]], 14 March 2020]] On 26 February, the UZA clinic in [[Edegem]] started with the construction of containers to be able to cope with the increased influx of patients in the emergency department.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.gva.be/cnt/dmf20200226_04865807/uz-antwerpen-bouwt-containerafdeling-voor-patienten-mogelijk-besmet-met-coronavirus|title=UZA test patiënten op coronavirus in aparte containers|publisher=[[Gazet van Antwerpen]]|date=26 February 2020}}</ref> ===March 2020=== ====Phase 2==== On 1 March, a second case of coronavirus was confirmed in Belgium, a Dutch speaking woman who had returned from [[Crépy-en-Valois]] in one of the regions affected in France.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.brusselstimes.com/all-news/belgium-all-news/97873/new-coronavirus-infection-reported-in-antwerp/|title=New coronavirus infection reported in Antwerp|publisher=[[The Brussels Times]]|date=1 March 2020}}</ref> At the same time phase 2 of the health risk containment strategy was activated.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.brusselstimes.com/belgium/98009/belgium-enters-phase-2-for-coronavirus-what-does-it-mean/|title=Belgium enters Phase 2 for coronavirus: what does it mean?|publisher=[[The Brussels Times]]|date=2 March 2020}}</ref> The yearly one week [[school holiday]] around [[carnival]] lasted from 22 February until 1 March 2020 and quite a few people go on ski vacation during that period. The number of detected virus infections therefore sharply rose upon the return of people having resided in the ski resorts of the North of Italy. The mayor of [[Woluwe-Saint-Lambert|Sint-Lambrechts-Woluwe]], [[Olivier Maingain]], was one of the only mayors to take measures to prevent the spreading of the new coronavirus by restricting access to schools, preschools, sports facilities and public places for persons returning from areas at risk<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20200301_04870946|title=Burgemeester Maingain neemt maatregel tegen coronavirus, De Block reageert: "Volledig disproportioneel"|publisher=Het Nieuwsblad|date=1 March 2020}}</ref> and only a few schools, such as the [[International School Ghent]], quarantined pupils that returned from areas at risk, such as [[Northern Italy]].<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200302_04872888|title=‘Verrassend dat niet alle scholen hetzelfde doen’|publisher=De Standaard|date=3 March 2020}}</ref> On 2 March, six additional cases, making a total of eight, had been diagnosed. Five were found in Flanders and one in Brussels, all six having come back from Northern Italy.<ref>{{cite news|title=Returns from Italy push COVID-19 tally higher |url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2020/03/02/returns-from-italy-push-covid-19-tally-higher/ |work=VRTnws|date=2 March 2020 }}</ref> Minister De Block mentioned there was no reason to panic and said Belgium could cope with the epidemic.<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200301_04871378|title=Geen paniek, we kunnen dit aan|publisher=De Standaard|date=2 March 2020}}</ref> Some experts, like Marc Wathelet<ref>{{Cite news|language=French|url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/opinions/detail_lettre-ouverte-a-la-ministre-de-la-sante-publique-coronavirus-il-faut-savoir-ecouter-la-peur?id=10443799|title=Lettre ouverte à la ministre de la Santé publique : "Coronavirus, il faut savoir écouter la peur"|publisher=[[RTBF]]|date=28 February 2020}}</ref> and professor [[Herman Goossens]] of the [[Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen|UZA]] in Antwerp criticized the (lack of) measures taken by the Belgian government and called for wider screening for the virus.<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.gva.be/cnt/dmf20200301_04871248/professor-van-uz-antwerpen-breder-testen-noodzakelijk-om-virus-goed-in-kaart-te-brengen|title=Experts oneens over aanpak coronavirus: "Patiënt was niet gevonden als we richtlijnen overheid hadden gevolgd"|publisher=[[Gazet van Antwerpen]]|date=2 March 2020}}</ref> Pharmacists complained they did not receive clear instructions from the authorities.<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20200302_04872463|title=Apothekers kregen nog steeds geen specifieke instructies over corona: "Wij zitten nochtans in de vuurlinie"|publisher=[[Het Nieuwsblad]]|date=2 March 2020}}</ref> As of 3 March, six additional cases were confirmed, making a total of 14 cases. One of the infected persons was a 17-year old teenager who returned to his school in [[Tienen]] after a ski vacation in the North of Italy.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/03/03/coronavirus-belgie-3-maart/|title=Zes nieuwe besmettingen met het coronavirus in België|date=3 March 2020|agency=VRTnws}}</ref> Another person from [[Sint-Niklaas]] also returned from a skiing holiday.<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.hln.be/in-de-buurt/sint-niklaas/man-uit-sint-niklaas-heeft-geen-idee-hoe-hij-coronavirus-opliep-op-reis-liep-ik-zelfs-vaak-met-sjaal-rond-mijn-mond~afaa682f/|title=Man uit Sint-Niklaas heeft geen idee hoe hij coronavirus opliep: "Op reis liep ik zelfs vaak met sjaal rond mijn mond"|publisher=[[Het Laatste Nieuws]]|date=3 March 2020}}</ref> A patient from [[Verviers]] was hospitalized in a Brussels clinic,<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.hln.be/nieuws/buitenland/vijftiende-geval-van-coronavirus-in-ons-land-bevestigd-spanje-meldt-eerste-dode~a1432729/|title=Vijftiende geval van coronavirus in ons land bevestigd – Spanje meldt eerste dode|publisher=Het Laatste Nieuws|date=3 March 2020}}</ref> and two cases were found in {{ill|Couthuin|fr}} (part of [[Héron]]).<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.hln.be/nieuws/binnenland/dit-weten-we-over-de-tien-nieuwe-coronabesmettingen-in-ons-land~a93573e9/|title=Dit weten we over de tien nieuwe coronabesmettingen in ons land|publisher=[[Het Laatste Nieuws]]|date=4 March 2020}}</ref> One patient is a 65-year-old male from [[Eupen]] who presented relatively severe symptoms and had not been to any of the regions with a higher risk of infection.<ref>{{cite web|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200129_04826074|title=Vijftiende Belgische coronapatiënt met longontsteking overgebracht naar referentieziekenhuis|publisher=[[De Standaard]]|date=3 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|language=Dutch|url=https://www.medi-sfeer.be/nl/nieuws/beroepsnieuws/besmette-coronapatient-van-eupen-werd-niet-als-risicopatient-aanzien.html|title=Coronapatiënt Eupen zadelt zorgverleners op met quarantaine|publisher=MEDI-SFEER|date=3 March 2020}}</ref> Steven Van Gucht of the Scientific Committee predicted that in the worst-case scenario the epidemic would cause 13,000 virus infections, with 2,000 to 3,000 hospitalisations and 500 to 700 patients in intensive care.<ref>{{cite web|language=Dutch|url=https://www.hln.be/nieuws/binnenland/expert-volksgezondheid-tempert-paniek-worstcasescenario-vergelijkbaar-met-zware-seizoensgriep~a94d020a/|title=Expert Volksgezondheid tempert paniek: "Worstcasescenario vergelijkbaar met zware seizoensgriep"|publisher=Het Laatste Nieuws|date=3 March 2020}}</ref> In a later interview he mentioned different numbers saying that 70% of the population (approximately 8 million persons) could become infected.<ref>{{cite web|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200316_04890623|title=Virus stoppen niet meer aan de orde|publisher=De Standaard|date=16 March 2020}}</ref> As of 4 March, ten new cases were confirmed before noon, making a total of 23. Nine of the new patients recently returned from Italy. The other patient had contact with a prior case.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/03/04/nieuwe-gevallen-van-coronavirus-in-ons-land/|title=10 nieuwe gevallen van coronavirus in ons land, in totaal nu 23 patiënten|date=4 March 2020|agency=VRTnws}}</ref> Four cases were in the [[Leuven]] area,<ref>{{cite web|language=Dutch|url=https://www.robtv.be/nieuws/eerste-coronabesmetting-in-leuven-besmette-personen-in-isolatie-94231 |title=Coronavirus duikt op in drie Leuvense scholen|publisher=www.robtv.be|date=4 March 2020}}</ref> one case in [[Hasselt]],<ref>{{cite web|language=Dutch|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/03/04/ook-leerling-school-kindsheid-jesu-in-hasselt-test-positief-op-c/|title=Leerling Kindsheid Jesu in Hasselt test positief op corona: "Ze is na de vakantie niet in school geweest"|publisher=VRT|date=4 March 2020}}</ref> and one in [[Pelt]].<ref>{{cite web|language=Dutch|url=https://www.tvl.be/nieuws/lerares-van-college-uit-pelt-is-besmet-met-coronavirus|title=Lerares van college uit Pelt is besmet met coronavirus|publisher=TV Limburg|date=4 March 2020}}</ref> In [[Wevelgem]] two related cases appeared. A complete family of 7 was infected upon their return from a ski holiday in the North of Italy. Initially the Belgian authorities did not want to test the family for the virus, notwithstanding the request of the family.<ref>{{cite web|language=Dutch|url=https://www.hln.be/in-de-buurt/wevelgem/gezin-en-liefjes-van-kinderen-keren-alle-acht-besmet-terug-van-skireis-nu-twee-weken-samen-uitzieken-in-quarantaine~a81e1f19/|title=Gezin en liefjes van kinderen keren alle acht besmet terug van skireis: nu twee weken samen uitzieken in quarantaine|publisher=[[Het Nieuwsblad]]|date=4 March 2020}}</ref> Additionally a teacher in a primary school in Wevelgem, who was on the same ski vacation as the family of seven and even went to work for two and a half days after the school holiday became sick and was diagnosed with the covid-19 virus.<ref>{{cite web|language=Dutch|url=https://kw.be/nieuws/samenleving/lid-coronafamilie-wevelgem-niemand-van-ons-is-echt-ziek/article-normal-423941.html?cookie_check=1583398210|title=Lid 'coronafamilie' Wevelgem: "Niemand van ons is écht ziek"|publisher=De Krant van West-Vlaanderen|date=4 March 2020}}</ref> The [[Agentschap Zorg en Gezondheid]] advised the school to not close down.<ref>{{cite web|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200305_04876906|title=Gezin van zeven en leerkracht in Wevelgem besmet met corona|publisher=De Standaard|date=5 March 2020}}</ref> A retirement home in [[Gooik]] stopped receiving visitors as a precautionary measure, because one employee could have been in contact with the new coronavirus.<ref>{{cite web|language=Dutch|url=https://www.hln.be/in-de-buurt/gooik/woonzorgcentrum-in-gooik-in-lockdown-nadat-medewerker-in-onrechtstreeks-contact-kwam-met-corona~a3b250b9/|title=Woonzorgcentrum in Gooik in lockdown nadat medewerker in onrechtstreeks contact kwam met corona|publisher=[[Het Nieuwsblad]]|date=4 March 2020}}</ref> Joris Moonens, the spokesman of the Flemish Agency for Care and Health, expressed the opinion that this was not an appropriate measure.<ref>{{cite web|language=Dutch|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/03/05/woonzorgcentrum-in-gooik-sluit-preventief-de-deuren-voor-alle-be/|title=Geen bezoek in woonzorgcentrum in Gooik uit schrik voor coronavirus, Zorg en Gezondheid: "Te extreme maatregel"|publisher=VRT|date=5 March 2020}}</ref> On 4 March, the [[European Defence Agency]] (EDA) confirmed that a staff member had tested positive for coronavirus, marking the first confirmed case in the [[agencies of the European Union]].<ref name="euractiv.1">{{Cite news|author=Gerardo Fortuna|date=4 March 2020|url=https://www.euractiv.com/section/health-consumers/news/first-confirmed-case-of-covid-19-in-the-eu-institutions/|title=First confirmed case of COVID-19 in the EU institutions|publisher=Euractiv.com|access-date=4 March 2020}}</ref> The senior EDA official had returned from a trip to Italy the previous week.<ref name="euractiv.1" /> After returning from Italy, he attended a roughly four-hour meeting with about thirty other European Union officials last week before he started feeling ill on Saturday (29 February).<ref name="euractiv.1" /> A military staff member of the [[European External Action Service]] who attended the meeting has also begun experiencing symptoms.<ref name="euractiv.1" /> The EDA has cancelled all meetings until 13 March, and other European Union institutions are also taking precautions.<ref name="euractiv.1" /><ref>{{cite tweet|user=EURACTIV |number=1235134557885693952|date=4 March 2020 |title=First case of #coronavirus in the EU institutions: the European Defence Agency has cancelled all meetings until 13 March after a senior official tested positive for #COVID_19, according to an internal mail seen by EURACTIV.}}</ref> On 5 March, 27 new confirmed cases were reported by the government (16 in Flanders, 9 in Wallonia and 2 in Brussels), bringing the total to 50.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/03/05/nieuwe-corona-patienten-in-belgie/|title=27 nieuwe corona-patiënten in ons land, vanavond komen Belgen naar huis die in quarantaine zaten op Tenerife|date=5 March 2020|agency=VRTnws}}</ref> Of the 50 persons 1 patient recovered, 48 are quarantined in their home and 1 person is being treated in the Sint-Pietersziekenhuis.<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.knack.be/nieuws/wereld/coronavirus-italie-en-vs-trekken-miljarden-uit-om-gevolgen-te-milderen/live-normal-1569303.html|title=Federale regering keurt vrijdag maatregelen|author1=Gert Segers|publisher=Knack|date=5 March 2020}}</ref> The new cases were reported to be in [[Knokke-Heist]], [[Zonhoven]], {{ill|Doomkerke|nl}} ([[Ruiselede]]) and [[Vlierzele]] (part of [[Sint-Lievens-Houtem]]).<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.hln.be/nieuws/binnenland/27-nieuwe-coronabesmettingen-in-belgie-totaal-staat-op-50-dit-weten-we~ae86f5c2/|title=27 nieuwe coronabesmettingen in België, totaal staat op 50: dit weten we|publisher=[[Het Laatste Nieuws]]|date=5 March 2020}}</ref> On 6 March, 59 new cases were reported by the government, bringing the total to 109 (65 in Flanders, 12 in Brussels, 31 in Wallonia and 1 cured). The new cases were amongst others reported in [[Oosterzele]] and [[Sint-Katelijne-Waver]].<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.hln.be/nieuws/binnenland/in-kaart-dit-weten-we-over-de-59-nieuwe-coronabesmettingen-in-belgie~ade7072ca/|title=Dit weten we over de 59 nieuwe coronabesmettingen in België|publisher=Het Laatste Nieuws|date=6 March 2020}}</ref> The Ministry of Health confirmed for the first time that infections occurred on Belgium territory. On 7 March, 60 new cases were confirmed by the government (40 in Flanders, 5 in Brussels and 15 in Wallonia), bringing the total to 169 (105 in Flanders, 17 in Brussels, 46 in Wallonia and 1 cured). The new cases were amongst others reported in [[Houthalen]], [[Melle, Belgium|Melle]], [[Lokeren]], [[Mere, Belgium|Mere]], [[Lede, Belgium|Lede]], [[Tildonk]] and [[Poppel (village)|Poppel]].<ref>[https://www.hln.be/nieuws/binnenland/dit-weten-we-over-de-60-nieuwe-coronabesmettingen-in-belgie~a40f788e/. Dit weten we over de 60 nieuwe coronabesmettingen in België]. hln.be (7 March 2020)</ref> The [[UZ Leuven]] confirmed they were forced to limit the number of tests for the virus because of a shortage of reagents for the test.<ref name="Het Nieuwsblad">{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20200307_04880150|title=UZ Leuven moet tests voor coronavirus inperken vanwege tekort aan reagentia|publisher=Het Nieuwsblad|date=7 March 2020}}</ref> The ministry of public health mentioned that "more and more infections are being contracted locally” but did not provide the information on how many.<ref>{{Cite news|language=English|url=https://www.brusselstimes.com/all-news/belgium-all-news/99094/leuven-test-centre-has-to-limit-coronavirus-tests-shortage-reagents-triage-gosselies/|title=Coronavirus: 169 confirmed cases in Belgium|author1=Alan Hope|publisher=The Brussels Times|date=7 March 2020}}</ref> From 422 samples taken on 7 March 31 were tested positive on 8 March (16 in Flanders, 8 in Brussels and 7 in Wallonia), bringing the number of infections to 200. The ministry of health confirmed "local circulation of the virus from various locations" but did not disclose these locations.<ref>[https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/2020/03/08/31-new-covid-19-coronavirus-infections/ 31 new Covid-19 coronavirus infections]. info-coronavirus.be (8 March 2020)</ref> =====Lack of reagents for testing===== On 7 March, it became clear that Belgium lacked enough reagents to do widespread [[COVID-19 testing]] and the National Reference Centre for Pathogens (NRC)<ref>[https://www.uzleuven.be/nl/laboratoriumgeneeskunde/nationaal-referentiecentrum-pathogenen Nationaal ReferentieCentrum pathogenen]</ref> was forced to apply a system of [[triage]].<ref name="Het Nieuwsblad"/> Two surgeons from the Brussels Saint Pierre hospital addressed an open letter to prime minister Wilmès on 22 March demanding increased testing.<ref>{{Cite news|language=French|url=https://plus.lesoir.be/289156/article/2020-03-22/lettre-ouverte-de-deux-chirurgiens-sophie-wilmes-sur-le-coronavirus-la-double|title=Lettre ouverte de deux chirurgiens à Sophie Wilmès sur le coronavirus: "La double peine du personnel hospitalier"|publisher=Le Soir|date=22 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|language=French|url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/belgique/detail_coronavirus-des-tests-systematiques-reclames-a-la-premiere-ministre-par-deux-chirurgiens-belges?id=10464596|title=Coronavirus: des tests systématiques réclamés à la Première ministre par deux chirurgiens belges|publisher=RTBF|date=22 March 2020}}</ref> ====Reinforced phase 2==== On 10 March, the total number of confirmed cases was 267;<ref>[https://www.info-coronavirus.be/fr/2020/03/10/28-nouvelles-infections-au-coronavirus-covid-19/ 28 nouvelles infections au coronavirus Covid-19]. info-coronavirus.be (10 March 2020)</ref> that day the government advised to cancel any indoor scheduled events to be attended by more than 1000 people for the month of March. Prime minister [[Sophie Wilmès|Wilmès]] stressed this was not an interdiction but rather a recommendation.<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200310_04884455|title=Zeg alles af, of we stevenen op Italiaanse toestanden af|publisher=De Standaard|date=11 March 2020}}</ref> Schools remain open but are advised to cancel trips abroad and multi-day excursions in general. Companies are advised to have their personnel work from home as much as possible and allow flexible working times to allow a better spread of public transport use throughout the day. The authorities called this 'reinforced phase 2'.<ref>[https://www.zorg-en-gezondheid.be/versterkte-fase-2 ''Nieuwe maatregelen voor versterkte fase 2 van corona-beheersing''], Agency for Care and Health, 10 March 2020</ref> =====Intensive care units capacity===== Around 10 March, the Belgian hospitals started to increase their number of [[intensive care unit]]s (ICU) from 1900 to 2650 in two weeks time, corresponding to an increase from 16.5 to 23.0 ICUs per 100{{nbsp}}000 inhabitants.<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200322_04898597|title=‘Chinese’ krachttoer levert intensieve zorg al 40 procent extra bedden op|publisher=De Standaard|date=23 March 2020}}</ref> On 11 March, ministers De Block and Maron announced that the first death on Belgian territory due to COVID-19 occurred on 10 March,<ref>[https://www.lesoir.be/286174/article/2020-03-11/coronavirus-deux-nouveaux-deces-en-belgique Coronavirus: deux nouveaux décès en Belgique]. Le Soir (11 March 2020)</ref> a 90-year-old female patient from [[Brussels]] who was being treated in [[Etterbeek]].<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200311_04885244|title=90-jarige is eerste dode door nieuw coronavirus in België|publisher=De Standaard|date=11 March 2020}}</ref> Two more patients died on the same day, one person aged 73 and one person aged 86 who died in [[Sint-Genesius-Rode]].<ref>[https://www.info-coronavirus.be/nl/2020/03/11/twee-nieuwe-overlijdens-door-covid-19/ Twee nieuwe overlijdens door Covid-19]. info-coronavirus.be (11 March 2020)</ref> Zorgnet Icuro requested minister Beke to take stronger actions with respect to visitor access at [[retirement home]]s in Flanders.<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200129_04826074|title=Vlaamse rusthuizen eisen verbod op bezoek|publisher=De Standaard|date=11 March 2020}}</ref> Professors Herman Goossens and Marc Van Ranst expressed the opinion that more drastic measures were required for Belgium and questioned the limit of maximum 1000 people for indoor events set by prime minister Wilmès on 10 March.<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/03/11/professor-herman-goossens-draconische-maatregelen-nodig-om-cor/|title=Professoren Goossens en Van Ranst: "Draconische maatregelen zijn nodig, zoals alle evenementen schrappen"|author1=Ludwig De Wolf|publisher=VRT|date=11 March 2020}}</ref> On 12 March, 2 new infections were detected as well as 32 suspected cases in retirement home Ter Kameren in [[Watermaal-Bosvoorde]], one of the biggest retirement homes of the Brussels region.<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/03/12/34-rusthuis-bewoners-met-symptomen-corona-11-besmet/|title=Al zeker 2 bewoners van rusthuis Watermaal-Bosvoorde testen positief op nieuw coronavirus, in totaal 34 besmettingen gevreesd|author1=Yasmina El Messaoudi|publisher=VRT|date=12 March 2020}}</ref> The total number of confirmed cases rose to 399. Approximately 20 patients (approx. 5%) out of those 399 were being treated in [[intensive care medicine|intensive care]].<ref>{{Cite news|language=French|url=https://www.rtl.be/info/belgique/societe/coronavirus-bilan-belge-actualise-toute-la-journee-3-morts-314-cas-dont-une-vingtaine-de-personnes-hospitalisees-certaines-en-etat-critique-1203176.aspx|title=Coronavirus – BILAN BELGE: 2 cas positifs et 32 autres suspects dans une maison de repos bruxelloise|publisher=RTL|date=12 March 2020}}</ref> The Belgische Vereniging van Artsensyndicaten (BVAS/ABSyM) called for a closure of all schools at short notice and warned for a potential collapse of the [[Healthcare in Belgium|health care system in Belgium]].<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200312_04887262|title=Artsen willen alle scholen dicht, Weyts noemt dat 'niet aan de orde'|publisher=De Standaard|date=12 March 2020}}</ref> In an [[open letter]] several Flemish [[rector (academia)|rectors]], two members belonging to the Coronavirus Scientific Committee that advises the Belgian authorities and several other experts urged the authorities to take decisive measures and to avoid non-binding instructions and guidelines.<ref>{{Cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/03/12/opinie-rectoren-coronavirus/|title=Open brief van Vlaamse rectoren en experts: "Het coronavirus is ernstig, aan vrijblijvende richtlijnen hebben we niets"|publisher=VRT|date=12 March 2020}}</ref> Many people started [[hoarding]] for the next one and a half week.<ref>{{Cite news|language=English|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2020/03/25/rush-on-supermarkets-is-over/|title=Rush on supermarkets is over|publisher=VRT|date=25 March 2020}}</ref> Late in the evening on 12 March, after a meeting of the [[National Security Council (Belgium)|National Security Council]], the Belgian government ordered the closure of schools, discos, cafes and restaurants, and the cancellation of all public gatherings for sporting, cultural or festive purposes from Friday 13 March at midnight onwards.<ref>[https://www.info-coronavirus.be/nl/2020/03/12/fase-2-gehandhaafd-overgang-naar-de-federale-fase-en-bijkomende-maatregelen/ Coronavirus: Phase 2 maintained, transition to the federal phase and additional measures]. info-coronavirus.be (12 March 2020)</ref> It was stressed that the measures taken were not a lockdown because people are not required to stay home.<ref>{{Cite news|language=nl|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200313_04888447|title=Waarom België niet in lockdown gaat|publisher=De Standaard|date=13 March 2020}}</ref> Earlier that day mayor Leopold Lippens already had ordered similar measures for his municipality of [[Knokke-Heist]].<ref>{{Cite news|language=fr|url=https://www.lesoir.be/286425/article/2020-03-12/coronavirus-knokke-jusquau-30-avril-en-lockdown?from_direct=true|title=Coronavirus: Knokke jusqu'au 30 avril en "lockdown"|publisher=Le Soir|date=12 March 2020}}</ref> The president of the [[European Commission]], [[Ursula von der Leyen]] informed the entire staff that 7 of their colleagues had tested positive, six of whom in Belgium. She also instructed "all colleagues in non-critical functions" to work from home with immediate effect until 29 March, while those "who ensure critical functions" would need to work in two shifts to minimize the risk of contagion.<ref>{{Cite news|language=en|url=https://www.politico.eu/article/all-non-critical-commission-staff-to-work-remotely-von-der-leyen-says/|title=All 'non-critical' Commission staff to work remotely, von der Leyen says|publisher=Politico.eu|date=12 March 2020}}</ref> Experts and authorities expressed their indignation about citizens organising or taking part in so-called 'lock-down or corona parties'.<ref>{{Cite news|language=en|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2020/03/14/outrage-at-_lock-down-parties/|title=Last night's "lock-down parties" trigger indignation|publisher=VRT|date=14 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|language=nl|url=https://www.hln.be/nieuws/binnenland/ook-echtgenoot-van-gwendolyn-rutten-organiseerde-coronafeestje~ab42c0d5/|title=Ook echtgenoot van Gwendolyn Rutten organiseerde 'coronafeestje'|publisher=Het Laatste Nieuws|date=14 March 2020}}</ref> Mayors of municipalities close to the border with the Netherlands such as Paul Van Miert of [[Turnhout]] urged their Dutch counterparts to request their national authorities in the [[2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Netherlands|Netherlands]] to implement similar measures as in Belgium.<ref>{{Cite news|language=nl|url=https://www.hln.be/nieuws/binnenland/burgemeester-van-turnhout-aan-nederlandse-collega-s-stop-horecatoerisme~a597bba5/|title=Burgemeester van Turnhout aan Nederlandse collega's: stop "horecatoerisme'"|publisher=Het Laatste Nieuws|date=15 March 2020}}</ref> The coronavirus pandemic sparked new debate on the ongoing [[2019–20 Belgian government formation|federal government formation]]. Representatives of [[New Flemish Alliance|N-VA]], [[Parti Socialiste (Belgium)|PS]], [[Open Vlaamse Liberalen en Democraten|Open Vld]], [[Mouvement Réformateur|MR]], [[Christen-Democratisch en Vlaams|CD&V]] and [[Socialistische Partij Anders|sp.a]] sat together on 14 and 15 March to talk about an emergency coalition.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2020/03/15/talks-on-emergency-government-continue-this-afternoon/|title=Talks on emergency government continue this afternoon|author=Colin Claps|date=15 March 2020|website=vrtnws.be|language=en|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref> This idea was however rejected by the PS and MR, and eventually these parties (except [[New Flemish Alliance|N-VA]]) together with [[Ecolo]], [[Groen (political party)|Groen]], [[cdH]] and [[DéFI]] opted to temporarily grant more competences to the caretaker [[Wilmès I Government]] instead, under the form of a new [[Wilmès II Government]], still a minority, but no longer in caretaker status, allowing more flexibility to take quick decisions.<ref>{{Cite news|language=nl|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200316_04891143|title=Hoe corona ook de Wetstraat aanstak|publisher=De Standaard|date=16 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/belgique/detail_en-route-vers-un-gouvernement-wilmes-2-0-suivez-la-conference-de-presse-en-direct?id=10458538|title=Le gouvernement Wilmès va être doté de pouvoirs spéciaux pendant 6 mois|author=Aubry Touriel|date=15 March 2020|website=RTBF Info|language=fr|url-status=live|archive-url=|archive-date=|access-date=15 March 2020}}</ref> On 16 March, [[Philippe of Belgium|King Philippe]] addressed the nation and called on all Belgians to respect the COVID-19 measures “for ourselves and for the most vulnerable among us”.<ref>{{Cite news|language=en|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2020/03/17/king-filip-calls-on-belgians-to-respect-the-covid-19-measures-fo/|title=King Filip calls on Belgians to respect the COVID-19 measures "for ourselves and for the most vulnerable among us"|publisher=VRT|date=16 March 2020}}</ref> ===='Lockdown light'==== On the evening of 17 March, the Prime Minister broadcast a decision to impose stricter social distancing measures from noon the following day, with non-essential travel prohibited, non-essential shops to close, gatherings banned, and penalties to force companies and individuals to abide by the rules.<ref>{{Cite web|author1=Floor Bruggeman|author2=Michaël Torfs|author3=Ellen Maerevoet|author4=Denny Baert|author5=Freek Willems|title=Strengere maatregelen tegen coronavirus|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/03/17/liveblog-17-maart/|date=17 March 2020|language=nl|website=[[Vlaamse Radio- en Televisieomroeporganisatie|VRT Nieuws]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.belgium.be/en/news/2020/coronavirus_reinforced_measures|date=17 March 2020|website=belgium.be|publisher=[[Belgian Federal Government]]|title=Coronavirus: reinforced measures}}</ref> On 20 March, from 3 p.m. onwards Belgium closed its borders to all non-essential travel.<ref>{{Cite news|language=en|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2020/03/20/borders-closed-to-non-essential-travel/|title=Borders closed to non-essential travel|publisher=VRT|date=20 March 2020}}</ref> Earlier that day the governor of [[West Flanders]] had complained about Dutch and French citizens coming to Belgium for tourism or shopping.<ref>{{Cite news|language=nl|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200320_04896509|title=Controles aan Belgische grenzen om Nederlanders te weren, ook in Ardennen maatregelen|publisher=De Standaard|date=20 March 2020}}</ref> That day the chairman of the Scientific Committee also expressed the hope that the measures that came into effect on 14 March would lead to a stabilisation of the number of hospitalisations starting from the mid of the week of 23 March.<ref>{{Cite news|language=nl|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200319_04895981|title=De coronapiek komt, al de rest is onzeker|publisher=De Standaard|date=20 March 2020}}</ref> On 21 March, Prof. dr. Erika Vlieghe of the Scientific Committee mentioned that the she expected the peak of the pandemic to occur early April.<ref>{{Cite news|language=nl|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/nl/2020/03/22/erika-vlieghe-in-de-ochtend/|title=Brussel betreurt de helft van de corona-overlijdens tot nu toe, maar die cijfers geven een vertekend beeld|publisher=VRT|date=21 March 2020}}</ref> =====Shortage of hand sanitiser ===== Several brewers,<ref>{{Cite news|language=nl|url=https://www.gva.be/cnt/dmf20200320_04897212/brouwer-stoker-schakelt-over-alcohol-voor-handgel-in-plaats-van-whisky-uit-stookketel|title=Brouwer-stoker schakelt over: alcohol voor handgel in plaats van whisky uit stookketel|publisher=Gazet van Antwerpen|date=21 March 2020}}</ref> a pharmaceutical company<ref>{{Cite news|language=nl|url=https://www.hln.be/in-de-buurt/geel/janssen-pharma-tereos-en-filliers-starten-noodproductie-desinfecterende-ontsmettingsalcohol~a63a4a4b/|title=Janssen Pharma, Tereos én Filliers starten noodproductie desinfecterende ontsmettingsalcohol|publisher=Het Laatste Nieuws|date=22 March 2020}}</ref> and the [[Sugar refinery of Tienen]]<ref>{{Cite news|language=nl|url=https://www.standaard.be/cnt/dmf20200323_04899833|title=Tiense Suikerraffinaderij maakt desinfecterende handgel|publisher=De Standaard|date=24 March 2020}}</ref> started to produce [[alcohol]] for [[hand sanitiser]] from 21 March onwards in an effort to alleviate the shortage in Belgium. From 25 March onwards people arriving at [[Brussels Airport]] were handed over a leaflet with the compelling advice to quarantine themselves for a fortnight.<ref>{{Cite news|language=English|url=https://www.vrt.be/vrtnws/en/2020/03/25/people-arriving-in-belgium-quarantined-for-a-fortnight/|title=People arriving in Belgium quarantined for a fortnight|publisher=VRT|date=25 March 2020}}</ref> == Statistics == ===Confirmed infections=== In the period of 1 March to 6 March the number of detected cases [[exponential growth|grew on average exponentially]] with a doubling of the number of cases every day. In the period between 7 March and 22 March the number of confirmed cases doubled on average every 3.4{{nbsp}}days (23.3{{nbsp}}% daily increase). The 23th of March a steep drop of the daily increase was observed. In the period between 23 and 25 March, the amount of confirmed cases doubled on average every 5.6 days (13.3{{nbsp}}% daily increase).{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} ====By province==== Sciensano started to publish confirmed cases and incidence numbers per province starting 18 March. In the period between 17 March and 21 March it became clear that the province of Limburg was a hotspot for the coronavirus where the incidence grew much faster compared to the rest of the country: while on 17 March the incidence in Limburg was 1.5 times the average incidence for the country, this had already increased to 1.9 times the average incidence on 21 March.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://epidemio.wiv-isp.be/ID/Documents/Covid19/Meest%20recente%20update.pdf|title=COVID-19 - Epidemiologische situatie|date=22 March 2020|website=Sciensano}}</ref> On 21 March it was observed that more than half of the patients in the hospital Oost-Limburg in [[Genk]] were from Turkish origin. Secretary of state [[Zuhal Demir]] urged the Turkish community in Limburg to abide by the quarantine measures.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.hln.be/in-de-buurt/genk/-meer-dan-de-helft-van-coronapatienten-in-ziekenhuis-oost-limburg-in-genk-is-van-turkse-origine~a184b2da/|title="Meer dan de helft van coronapatiënten in Ziekenhuis Oost-Limburg in Genk is van Turkse origine"|agency=Het Laatste Nieuws|date=21 March 2020}}</ref> ===Recoveries=== The first recovered case was on 15 February 2020.<ref>{{cite news|language=French|url=https://www.rtbf.be/info/societe/detail_le-belge-contamine-par-le-coronavirus-peut-quitter-l-hopital-saint-pierre?id=10433696|title= Le Belge contaminé par le coronavirus peut quitter l'hôpital Saint-Pierre|publisher=[[RTBF]]|date=2020-02-15}}</ref> Sciensano reported a total of 350 recoveries (9.3{{nbsp}}% of confirmed cases) as of 23 March.{{citation needed|date=March 2020}} ===Deaths=== In the period between 17 March and 21 March the number of deaths due to COVID-19 doubled on average every 1.4{{nbsp}}days (64{{nbsp}}% daily increase). Of the 67 first fatalities 1 was in the category 25 to 44 years of age, 2 were in the category 45 to 64 years of age, 32 in the category 65 to 84 years and 32 in the category of 85 years and older. The youngest fatality overall in Belgium was 39 years old.<ref>{{cite news|language=Dutch|url=https://www.nieuwsblad.be/cnt/dmf20200322_04898227|title=Jong slachtoffer is 39-jarige papa van baby van vier maanden: "Hij lachte nog dat hij waarschijnlijk corona had"|publisher=[[Het Nieuwsblad]]|date=22 March 2020}}</ref> {{2019–20 coronavirus pandemic data/Belgium medical cases}} <div class="" style="width:800px;"> </div> ===Graphs=== <center>'''Total cases in Belgium'''</center> {{Graph:Chart |type=line |linewidth=1 |showSymbols=1 |width=450 |colors=orange,green,red |showValues= |xAxisTitle=Date |xAxisAngle=-40 |x=1 Mar, 2 Mar, 3 Mar, 4 Mar, 5 Mar, 6 Mar, 7 Mar, 8 Mar, 9 Mar, 10 Mar, 11 Mar, 12 Mar, 13 Mar, 14 Mar, 15 Mar, 16 Mar, 17 Mar, 18 Mar, 19 Mar, 20 Mar, 21 Mar, 22 Mar, 23 Mar, 24 Mar, 25 Mar, 26 Mar |yAxisTitle=No. of cases |legend=Legend |y1=1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 8, 13, 23, 50, 109, 169, 200, 239, 267, 314, 399, 559, 689, 886, 1058, 1243, 1486, 1795, 2257, 2815, 3401, 3743, 4269, 4937, 6235 |y1Title=Total confirmed cases |y2=0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 14, 16, 155, 204, 263, 340, 350, 410, 525, 675 |y2Title=Total recovered cases |y3=0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 14, 21, 37, 67, 75, 88, 122, 178, 220 |y3Title=Total death cases |yGrid= }} <div class="" style="width:600px;"> <center>'''Confirmed new cases per day in Belgium'''</center> {{Graph:Chart | width = 450 | height = 245 | colors = #f45843 | xAxisTitle = | yAxisTitle = New coronavirus cases | yAxisMax = | xAxisAngle = -35 | showValues = offset:-6 | legend = | y1Title = Confirmed new cases per day | yGrid = | type = rect | x = 1 Mar, 2 Mar, 3 Mar, 4 Mar, 5 Mar, 6 Mar, 7 Mar, 8 Mar, 9 Mar, 10 Mar, 11 Mar, 12 Mar, 13 Mar, 14 Mar, 15 Mar, 16 Mar, 17 Mar, 18 Mar, 19 Mar, 20 Mar, 21 Mar, 22 Mar, 23 Mar, 24 Mar, 25 Mar, 26 Mar | y1 = 1, 6, 5, 10, 27, 59, 60, 31, 39, 28, 47, 85, 160, 133, 197, 172, 185, 243, 309, 462, 558, 586, 342, 526, 668, 1298 }} {{smaller|Source: [[Sciensano]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://epidemio.wiv-isp.be/ID/Documents/Covid19/Meest%20recente%20update.pdf|title=COVID-19 - Epidemiologische situatie|date=21 March 2020|website=Sciensano}}</ref> (Belgisch Instituut voor Volksgezondheid) }} </div> <div class="" style="width:600px;"> <center>'''Confirmed new cases in Belgium by region'''</center> {{Graph:Chart | width = 450 | height = 245 | colors = #becb00,#006432,#29a62f, #dddddd | xAxisTitle = | yAxisTitle = New coronavirus cases | yAxisMax = | xAxisAngle = -35 | legend = | y1Title = Walloon Region | y2Title = Flemish Region | y3Title = Brussels-Capital Region | y4Title = Unknown | yGrid = | type = stackedrect | x = 1 Mar, 2 Mar, 3 Mar, 4 Mar, 5 Mar, 6 Mar, 7 Mar, 8 Mar, 9 Mar, 10 Mar, 11 Mar, 12 Mar, 13 Mar, 14 Mar, 15 Mar, 16 Mar, 17 Mar, 18 Mar, 19 Mar, 20 Mar, 21 Mar, 22 Mar, 23 Mar, 24 Mar, 25 Mar, 26 Mar | y1 = 0, 0, 2, 0, 9, 0, 15, 7, 10, 8, 11, 16, 84, 6, 28, 68, 38, 66, 95, 90, 200, 99, 118, 87, 176, 256 | y2 = 1, 5, 2, 2, 16, 14, 40, 16, 22, 17, 29, 66, 61, 118, 137, 80, 106, 133, 145, 302, 292, 412, 173, 381, 429, 857 | y3 = 0, 1, 1, 0, 2, 4, 5, 8, 7, 3, 7, 3, 8, 5, 27, 17, 33, 31, 48, 43, 50, 70, 45, 38, 57, 164 | y4 = 0, 0, 0, 8, 0, 41, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 7, 4, 5, 7, 8, 13, 21, 27, 16, 5, 6, 20, 6, 21 }} {{smaller|Source: [[Sciensano]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://epidemio.wiv-isp.be/ID/Documents/Covid19/Meest%20recente%20update.pdf|title=COVID-19 - Epidemiologische situatie|date=21 March 2020|website=Sciensano}}</ref> (Belgisch Instituut voor Volksgezondheid) }} </div> <div class="toccolours" style="width:700px; margin:1em 0 1em 0"> <center>'''Confirmed new hospitalizations per day in Belgium'''</center> {{Graph:Chart | type=rect | linewidth=1 | showSymbols=1 | width=600 | colors=green | showValues= | xAxisTitle=Date | xAxisAngle=-40 | x=1 Mar, 2 Mar, 3 Mar, 4 Mar, 5 Mar, 6 Mar, 7 Mar, 8 Mar, 9 Mar, 10 Mar, 11 Mar, 12 Mar, 13 Mar, 14 Mar, 15 Mar, 16 Mar, 17 Mar, 18 Mar, 19 Mar, 20 Mar, 21 Mar, 22 Mar, 23 Mar, 24 Mar, 25 Mar, 26 Mar | yAxisTitle=New hospitalizations per day | y=0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 89, 109, 135, 187, 203, 299, 355, 290, 256, 434, 536 | yGrid= |xGrid= }}</div> <div class="toccolours" style="width:700px; margin:1em 0 1em 0"> <center>'''Confirmed deaths per day in Belgium'''</center> {{Graph:Chart | type=rect | linewidth=1 | showSymbols=1 | width=600 | colors=black | showValues= | xAxisTitle=Date | xAxisAngle=-40 | x=1 Mar, 2 Mar, 3 Mar, 4 Mar, 5 Mar, 6 Mar, 7 Mar, 8 Mar, 9 Mar, 10 Mar, 11 Mar, 12 Mar, 13 Mar, 14 Mar, 15 Mar, 16 Mar, 17 Mar, 18 Mar, 19 Mar, 20 Mar, 21 Mar, 22 Mar, 23 Mar, 24 Mar, 25 Mar, 26 Mar | yAxisTitle=Deaths per day | y1= 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0, 1, 2, 0, 0, 1, 0, 1, 5, 4, 7, 16, 30, 8, 13, 34, 56, 42 | yGrid= |xGrid= }}</div> [[File:SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Belgium - Semi-log.jpg|thumb|centre|600 px|[[Semi-log plot|Semi-logarithmic graph]] of the number of confirmed cases, hospitalisations, intensive care cases and deaths in Belgium as of 2020-03-25]] [[File:SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Belgium - Linear.jpg|thumb|centre|600 px|Graph of the number of daily increase of confirmed cases, hospitalisations, intensive care cases and deaths in Belgium as of 2020-03-25]] [[File:20200325 Logistic growth COVID-19 Belgium.png|thumb|centre|600 px|[[Logistic function|Logistic growth model]] fit for confirmed COVID-19 cases in Belgium for data from 07/03/2020 until 24/03/2020. The fit stabilises at 9689 cases and has an initial exponential growth of 24.0{{nbsp}}%. Beyond 25 March the curves shown are only a prediction according to the logistic growth model and these have an uncertainty range associated to them.]] ==See also== * [[2020 coronavirus pandemic in France]] * [[2020 coronavirus pandemic in the Netherlands]] == References == {{reflist}} == External links == * [https://www.info-coronavirus.be/en/ www.info-coronavirus.be], information website from the Belgian government * [https://epidemio.wiv-isp.be/ID/Pages/2019-nCoV.aspx New Coronavirus (Disease: COVID-19, Virus: SARS-CoV-2)], [[Sciensano]] {{2019–20 coronavirus pandemic}} [[Category:2019–20 coronavirus pandemic by country and territory|Belgium]] [[Category:2020 coronavirus pandemic in Europe|Belgium]] [[Category:Medical outbreaks in Belgium]] [[Category:January 2020 events in Europe]] [[Category:February 2020 events in Europe]] [[Category:2020 in Belgium|coronavirus pandemic]] [[Category:March 2020 events in Europe]]'