Virus pressures on paramedics in Belgium

Fire services in Brussels are disinfecting ambulances and equipment after each patient with COVID-19 related symptoms has been delivered for treatment.

"Every ambulance must be disinfected very carefully," said Tom Van Gyseghem, the colonel of Belgium Fire Services.

The scrupulous approach to stem the spread of infection between patients and staff is taking its toll on the already overstretched medical team.

"I'm exhausted all the time. But it's also really tiring having to constantly wait for our ambulances to be disinfected when we are trying to keep going," said paramedic Nathan Moers.

Belgium currently has 18,431 cases of the new coronavirus, with a total of 1,283 deaths, according to Johns Hopkins University (1300GMT).

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia, and could lead to death.