King of Belgium , King Phillippe called on all residents to respect the lockdown in the context of the coronavirus pandemic .
On 16 March the King addressed the nation and called on all Belgians to respect the COVID-19 measures “ for ourselves and for the most vulnerable among us ” . On the evening of 17 March the Prime Minister broadcast a decision to impose stricter social distancing measures from noon the following day , with non-essential travel prohibited , non-essential shops to close , gatherings banned , and penalties to force companies and individuals to abide by the rules .
2020 coronavirus pandemic in Belgium