Belgium tightened its coronavirus restrictions for the third consecutive week today to fight one of Europe's worst spikes of Covid-19 cases. "We cannot allow the train of infection that is thundering through our country to continue at its current pace," Prime Minister Alexander De Croo told a news conference.
With cases among children rising the most, Mr De Croo said mask mandates will apply from age six. The current requirement to wear a mask is for those aged 10 years and older.
Primary schools will shut for Christmas and New Year holidays a week earlier and secondary schools will shift to a hybrid system, with half of classes from home.