Belgian officials see country as past coronavirus peak

By Agnes Szucs

BRUSSELS (AA) – The coronavirus pandemic in Belgium almost certainly peaked 10 days ago, on April 12, said Belgian authorities on Wednesday.

As many as 933 new coronavirus cases and 266 deaths were reported in Belgium over the past 24 hours, virologist Steven Van Gucht told reporters, using Federal Public Health Service figures.

In the past few days, the daily tally of victims has fallen below 200. Wednesday’s sudden increase is due to the fact that nursing homes submitted their reports with a delay, he explained.

The number of fatalities from coronavirus continues to fall, Van Gucht added.

The death toll from COVID-19 is 6,262 in Belgium, while the total number of infections stands at 41,889.

The number of hospitalizations also continues to drop. Currently, 4,765 patients are being treated in hospitals, including 1,020 in intensive care units.

The federal government led by Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes is expected on Friday to announce a detailed exit strategy from virus restrictions.

Economic activities including commerce, construction, and transport industry can resume on May 4, according to recommendations of a national expert group leaked by daily newspaper Le Soir.

Schools may gradually reopen starting May 18, according to the proposal.

Since appearing in China last December, the virus has spread to at least 185 countries and regions, according to figures compiled by the U.S.’ Johns Hopkins University.

Some 2.58 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed worldwide, with over 178,000 deaths and over 693,000 recoveries.