Belgium sets up coronavirus special committee

The bicameral Belgian Federal Parliament's Chamber of Representatives approved on Friday a motion establishing a special committee to examine the management of the coronavirus pandemic, reported Xinhua.

The special committee will be tasked with examining and evaluating the measures taken by the Belgian federal state to combat the COVID-19 epidemic and the management of this health crisis since its emergence.

It will examine the organization and capacities of hospitals, the management of medical equipment (COVID-19 screening kits, face masks, gloves, etc.), the screening process, and the communication chain between the federal and the regional levels.

The committee will bring together 17 members of parliament, assisted by four experts. A report is expected within 12 months of its creation.

By midday Friday, Belgium had confirmed 61,106 coronavirus cases, the public health institute Sciensano said. There have been 9,731 confirmed fatalities.

The first case of coronavirus was reported in Belgium in early February. Repatriated from China, the infected Belgian citizen was released from the hospital on Feb. 15 after being placed in total isolation and undergoing tests that had proved negative.