A citizen wearing a face mask walks her dog in Brussels, Begium, April 14, 2020. Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes announced on Wednesday an extension of lockdown until May 3 to curb the spread of the coronavirus. (Xinhua/Zhang Cheng)
BRUSSELS, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Belgian Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes announced on Wednesday an extension of lockdown until May 3 to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
"The National Security Council (NSC) ... decided that the containment measures that are valid today will be extended until May 3 inclusive," said Wilmes after a meeting of the NSC.
The restrictions are slightly alleviated, with the prime minister announcing that garden centers and DIY stores will reopen under the same conditions as food stores.
"However, people will have to respect safety distances," she added.
Residents of nursing homes, care homes, and centers for the disabled will also be able to arrange visits.
The prime minister insisted on respecting the restrictive rules because "we have not yet reached the stage of deconfinement."
"We are counting on your civic-mindedness and common sense," said Wilmes.
On March 18, Belgium imposed a nationwide lockdown to contain the coronavirus. It was last extended until April 19.
Health authorities reported a total of 33,576 coronavirus cases with 4,440 deaths as of Wednesday.
