Top Belgian diplomat in intensive care with COVID-19

Belgium's foreign minister has been hospitalized in intensive care for treatment of the coronavirus.

A Foreign Ministry spokeswoman on Thursday confirmed Sophie Wilmes had been in hospital since last night.

Wilmes announced Saturday on Twitter that she had tested positive for the novel coronavirus, adding: “An infection that probably occurred in the family circle, given the precautions I have taken outdoors.” She was in self-quarantine since Friday.

In the past few days, Belgium has recorded a steep rise in the infections. With the country's health minister warning of a "tsunami" of infections, the government has ordered bars and restaurants to close, urging people to wear face masks.

The country has recorded 253,000 infections with 10,539 deaths so far.

* Writing by Iclal Turan in Ankara