All recreational and cultural events are banned, both private and public. Clubs, bars and restaurants must close.

Non-essential shops are closed during the weekend. Classes in school are cancelled.

These measures remain in effect until at least April 3rd.

Due to the inability to form a government coalition after the elections of May 2019, Belgium still lacks a functioning executive government at the start of the corona crisis. The executive branch only works on 'ongoing affairs'.

To be able to manage the crisis, an interim government is formed for a period of 3 months, with a possible extension to 6 months, headed by Sophie Wilmès. She received only 16,000 preferential votes.

Belgium enters lockdown. Belgians are asked to stay at home to avoid spreading the coronavirus.

Non-essential stores are closed. Gatherings are forbidden. Remote work is strongly encouraged. After 2 weeks, the situation will be re-evaluated.

A bartender in the Austrian village of Ischgl is responsible for hundreds of infections of wintersports enthusiasts across Europe.

When the tourists return home after the spring holiday, there are practically no checks or enforcements.

A stock of millions of surgical and FFP2 masks, first built up in response to the H1N1 Avian Flu, was destroyed by the Federal Health Service between 2015 and 2018.

According to Maggie de Block, the masks had expired and had become unusable.

A judge in Brussels has ruled that the measures for corona are not lawful. The court gives the Belgian state 30 days to resolve the situation and ensure a lawful basis.

Plaintiff was the League for Human Rights, which had decided to sue the Belgian state. According to the League, these measures were not established in a democratic way.

The state decides to appeal.

"It's pointless to wear a mask on the street, in the house or in the yard. It only makes sense to wear a special mask when around patients infected by the coronavirus, that is, for health workers."

The painful revelation: the strategic stock of millions of masks was destroyed for no reason, according to a caretaker.

“The warehouses were dry and locked down. The boxes were intact. The supply was in excellent condition. [...] They were even used as party props.” - Marc Caekebeke, Adjudant

The warehouses were emptied out to make room for asylum seekers.

The exit strategy for lockdown has leaked. It says that the corona measures will be relaxed in May.

Members of the advisory Group of Experts tasked with the Exit Strategy deny responsibility for the leak. Their task force consists of scientists and esteemed Belgian entrepreneurs. The leaked report was being reviewed by Belgian politicians.

"It's normal that the report makes the rounds. [...] But leaking to the press, that's another step. That's deliberate and not done with good intentions."

Non-essential businesses may resume work, though without any direct customer contact. Fabric shops may open. Non-urgent consultations with a doctor or in the hospital are allowed.

Social measures are relaxed: physical activity in the open air is allowed for maximum 2 people not residing in the same house.

Masks are mandatory on public transit.

All shops reopen, but under strict conditions to minimize customer traffic.

Contact tracers begin trying to find infected people and their contacts.

The schools will partially reopen: in primary and secondary schools, each for a maximum of three grades and in smaller groups, with a maximum of 10 students per class.

Childcare is provided for parents who go to work and do not have childcare. Classes in kindergartens will remain suspended, at least until the end of May.

Businesses in close proximity, such as hairdressers and massage therapists, may re-open. Group sports and markets are allowed again, in small numbers.

All businesses may resume. Bars and restaurants reopen, with the exception of clubs or casinos.

Customers must maintain 1.5m distance, and staff must wear a mask.

The social bubble is expanded, allowing contact with up to 10 people per week.

Shopping in group is allowed again, without any time limit. The social bubble is expanded to 15 people per week.

Theme parks reopen. Cultural gatherings with an audience are allowed again, up to 200 people indoors and 400 people outdoors.

"There are no signs of a systemic problem."

From the field:

"Some days we make calls and some days we do nothing. Today I don't have any calls. I just have to be present." - Contact tracer

"You can listen to podcasts, watch Netflix, read a book or chat with co-workers. That's all fine." - Contact tracer

"I'm one of the few people who haven't even received a log-in from the government after 6 weeks. The people from the call center have escalated this every day. As a result I sat there for weeks without making a single call." - Contact tracer

All bars and restaurants must ask their customers to leave their name, phone number and/or e-mail address on a form.

Because of concerns about the privacy of personal information, the Federal Economic Service's example form explains that "data will be kept in a closed envelope during 14 days, after which it is permanently destroyed."

After missing their own deadline of mid-September, the 7 party presidents agree to extend the mandate of the Wilmès government for another 2 weeks.

Social bubbles are eliminated. Close contact is allowed with up to 5 people. Receptions and weddings are allowed without limit. Mandatory quarantine is reduced to 7 days.

This despite worsening numbers across the entire country.

"I think this message ought to be clear. [...] At this time we're in a very difficult phase of the epidemic. We're seeing a rising curve of infections and hospitalizations. What needs to happen is: minimize contacts, keep your distance and wear a mask in busy places."

After 494 days of failed negotiations since the election, Belgium finally has a valid government coalition again.

Maggie de Block remains a member of parliament.