28 October 2020: Belgium now has the highest number of coronavirus cases per head of population anywhere in Europe.

28 October 2020: Update on The Corona Pandemic – Over the last two weeks, there were 1,390 coronavirus cases reported per 100,000 head of population. This puts Belgium in the top spot in Europe in a ranking compiled by the ECDC (European Center of Disease Control). Until now the Czech Republic headed the European ranking.  They are now second with 1,379 cases per 100,000. Luxembourg is a distant third with 760 cases followed by Slovenia (732) and the Netherlands (694). As a consequence, the Flemish Government finally decided to further tighten the federal measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus in our region. The following measures will enter into force on Friday from 6:00 PM: 

• All cultural venues will be closed,
• Weekly food markets remain open, but Christmas markets and flea markets will no longer be possible,
• Shopping remains possible, but with a maximum of two people,
• Swimming pools, fitness centres and bowling venues will be closed,
• For everyone aged 12 and over, sports will only be allowed outdoors with a group of maximum four, 
• Professional sports are still allowed, but without public.
• Higher education will switch to distance learning, except for first years, who will still be able to attend classes in a limited capacity.
• People in residential care centres will only be allowed one close contact (‘cuddle contact’), and one other contact. 
• People will be asked to telework to the maximum of their capacity.

 
We’re bracing for the worst winter ever and are hoping that this is not too little too late. The only silver lining in all of these measures is that I’m still allowed to stroll the streets of Ghent in search for beauty in the ugly and mondain. Stay safe, stay healthy! - Ghent, Belgium