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COVID-19 (Corona virus disease-19) is caused by a new corona virus, SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Respiratory Syndrome - Corona Virus-2).
The virus is human-to-human transmissible. Infection occurs through the inhalation of small droplets of saliva from an infected person that are released during speaking, coughing or sneezing. These droplets of saliva can also land on hands and objects. Touching these hands or objects and then touching one's own face can also result in infection.
Symptoms may occur two days to two weeks after the infection. The symptoms vary from mild flu-like symptoms to severe pneumonia with fever, coughing and shortness of breath. In addition, gastrointestinal complaints and a temporary loss of taste and smell can occur. Elderly people and people with chronic conditions have a higher risk of serious symptoms and death. Children and pregnant women do not run a higher risk of serious symptoms and death.
The outbreak initially started in Wuhan, China, but has now grown into a pandemic with global outbreaks.
Each country has drawn up specific guidelines to prevent further spread. In some countries, travellers are required to undergo quarantine and/or a COVID-19 test upon arrival. Check the travel advice for your destination via the country list. Keep in mind that the advice can change quickly, which can make return travel and repatriation difficult.
Basic hygiene
Wash or disinfect your hands regularly and especially:
Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use a disinfectant containing at least 60% to 95% alcohol. If your hands are visibly dirty, wash them with soap and water.
Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
Social distancing
Limit the number of social contacts you have.
Do not shake hands when greeting someone and keep 1.5 metres away from people who do not live with you.
Avoid places where many people gather.
Download the CoronAlert app. It notifies you anonymously if you were in contact with someone who installed the app and tested positive for COVID-19.
Avoid sick persons
Stay away from sick people and make sure no one coughs or sneezes in your face.
Mouth masks
Wear a mouth mask in places where it is difficult to keep a distance of 1.5 meters. In some countries it is compulsory to wear a mouth mask on the street, on public transport, or in shops and public buildings, such as museums.
Travel restrictions
The Belgian government imposes the following travel restrictions:
Check the entry conditions imposed by the country of your destination on travellers from Belgium.
Travel insurance
Take a careful look at the terms and conditions of your travel insurance.
Self-quarantine
Self-quarantine is mandatory if you had close contact with an infected person and when returning from a high-risk area.
COVID-19 test
For the COVID-19 test, contact your GP. If you are abroad, contact your travel assistance insurance.
Asymptomatic people can be tested in a testing village in some cities.
Travellers can go to airports, some large railway stations and the Institute of Tropical Medicine.
Animals
Stay away from animals and their waste products. Do not visit animal markets.
Food and drinks
Do not eat undercooked meat and non pasteurised milk products.
Vaccination
At the end of December 2020, the COVID-19 vaccination campaign started in Belgium.
For more information about COVID-19, visit the federal government info-coronavirus website or call (+32) (0)800 146 89.
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