Belgium announces the first case in Europe of a new variant of the Corona virus

On Friday, the Belgian government confirmed the first case in Europe of a new variant of the coronavirus In an unprotected person returning from abroad.

“We now have a confirmed case of this type.”, B.1.1.529, first discovered in South Africa, the Minister of Health said, Frank Vandenbrooke, at a press conference.

that it A woman injured after a trip to Egypt with a layover in Turkey. The diagnosis was confirmed by UZ Leuven University Hospital (Leuven) after examination of a An unvaccinated young adult who started showing symptoms eleven days after the tripAccording to the Belgian series RTBF.

It is the first confirmed case in Europe of this type linked to countries in South AfricaAlthough the patient had a high viral load, he did not appear to have any recent connection to that region, according to the information provided on the case.

Diagnosis coincides with a European Commission proposal to close the common border to flights with origin or destination in Southern Africa, a measure the community bloc did not examine on Friday afternoon.

Before revealing the case of the infected young woman in Belgium, Vandenbroek specifically indicated in a press conference that he was fully committed to the proposal to limit flights to the region for the sake of “precaution”, although “he knows a lot” about the alternative.

The government confirmed that as of Saturday, It will again tighten restrictions against the coronavirus, close nightclubs and limit the hours and capacity of the hotel industry, among other measures, in the face of a surge in coronavirus cases and hospitalizations., while accelerating a booster-dose campaign for all vaccinated populations.

“The analysis of the situation is more pessimistic than the most difficult scenario that experts have come up with so far.”Prime Minister Alexandre de Croo told a news conference after a four-hour meeting of federal and regional authorities to tighten measures just one week after the protocols had already been reviewed.

In fact, the authorities on this occasion agreed to Closing discos and the rest of the nightlife sectorIt is a measure that the experts had already requested at the previous meeting but which was not moved forward due to a lack of political support. very Parties and private events outside the home are prohibited, except for weddings and funerals, which may continue to occur in limited capacity.

What is more, Bars and restaurants will close at 23:00Customers can always sit at tables with a maximum of six people (except for large families).

Christmas markets and other types of fairs may open but with Time Restrictions, Mask Adherence Despite Being Outdoors and Control of COVID Certification.

Concerts and other public events held indoors may continue provided that All capacity is vacant and attendees must have a COVID certificate Evidence that they have been vaccinated, have tested negative in a recent test or have antibodies.

“Significantly reduce contact lenses, use a mask and if you can see outdoors, do so”asked Vandenbroucke, at the same press conference with De Croo, before warning residents A vital need for vaccination and indicates that adults under the age of 60 are at eight times the risk of hospitalization if they are not vaccinated..

(With information from Europa Press)

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