Belgian shops reopen with new guidelines

Shops reopened in Belgium on Saturday, with new guidelines set by the government requiring customers to reserve a time slot to purchase goods, pick up orders or return items.

Belgium is reintroducing strict lockdown measures in response to a surge of new coronavirus infections.

Under the new rules, from Saturday non-essential shops can remain open but customers will need to book appointments.

Hairdressers and beauty parlours must close until April 25th and schools will close from Monday.

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo said the virus variant first identified in Britain is likely taking a heavy toll on the health of the country's people.

Confirmed cases increased 40% in the last week and hospital admissions rose 28% following a long stable period.