Belgium to impose lockdown as it reinforces anti-coronavirus measures

People walk past the European Commission building in Brussels, Belgium, March 16, 2020. Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes announced on Tuesday that citizens are required to stay at home from Wednesday to April 5 as the country reinforces measures to contain the spread of coronavirus. Wilmes announced this at a press conference after a meeting of the National Security Council. She said citizens are required to stay at home, except for travels deemed essential, like going to pharmacies, banks and supermarkets. Belgium has recorded a total of 1,243 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday, according to authorities. (Xinhua/Zheng Huansong)