Country moves closer to national shutdown as PM vows to protect health system
- Coronavirus – latest updates
- See all our coronavirus coverage
Belgium has inched closer to a second national lockdown with new “harsh measures” as all non-urgent surgeries were suspended for a month from Monday to give hospitals breathing space in the face of spiralling coronavirus infection rates.
Belgium’s new prime minister, Alexander De Croo, said he would put a protective ring around the health system, as he announced further restrictions on Friday morning in the few areas of public life left relatively open.