28 March 2020 Update on The Corona Crisis from A Locked Down Ghent

Prime Minister Sophie Wilmès announced during a press conference yesterday that Belgium will extend its lockdown deadline until 19 April. After the two-week extension period, the situation will be evaluated, and the measures will possibly be extended for another two weeks, until 3 May. Meaning we all must stay at home, except for “essential movements” such as going to and from work if teleworking is not possible, shopping for groceries or going to the doctor. Outdoor activities are still allowed but are aimed to keep moving. Hence, we can only leave our home for the duration of the physical activity and we have to return home immediately after. Thus, meeting in a park and sitting there for a while is not allowed. Meanwhile, Belgium reaches 7,284 confirmed cases and the total number of people admitted to hospital is 3,042, an increase of 490 patients in one day. 69 new deaths have been reported on Thursday, bringing the total number of deaths to 289. Taking into account the commitment of the entire population to comply with the measures the peak is expected in the coming weeks, around the beginning of April, according to the models the experts are following. Hang in there! Stay Safe, Stay Healthy – Ghent,