BELGIUM has become the latest European country to announce the first steps towards relaxing its coronavirus lockdown.

The country of 11 million people has seen nearly 7000 deaths as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic – the world’s highest rate per million - with nearly 45,000 cases.

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5 Belgians queuing outside a supermarket during the lockdown Credit: Getty Images - Getty

5 A man walking through the deserted the normally thronging heart of Brussels Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Belgium went into full lockdown on March 18 with people only allowed to leave home for food shopping, go to the doctor, or work if it can’t be done from home.

The country closed all its bars, schools and restaurants the week before.

But it has now joined Spain, Italy, Austria, Denmark and Germany in easing some restrictions, in a move that is likely to watched closely by the UK government as it decides when to follow suit.

Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes said the lockdown will now be lifted in three stages though she warned if there is a flare up in case, restrictions will be tightened again.

“This is not definitive. We can never rule out the possibility that we will have to take a step back if the virus flares up again,” Wilmes said.

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After May 4, hospitals will progressively open to some non-essential tasks and some shops - including haberdashers - also will be allowed to reopen.

Some sport will be allowed from that day, with Belgians free to play tennis, kayak and go fishing.

A week later, most shops will be given the green light to reopen at the same time, though close-contact professions like barbers will have to wait another week.

On May 18, schools will open with a maximum 10 students per class the internal travel to the coast and the hilly, wooded forests, will be allowed.

Bar and restaurants will be allowed to start reopening as of June 8, as will be zoos.

Protective masks will be mandatory on public transport.

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Belgium has a death rate of 576 per million, with only tiny San Marino, which has a population of 33, 785, higher on 1179.

Its high death rate is accounted for by its including deaths outside of hospitals and deaths where the patient had symptoms but had not been tested.

These deaths account for around half of Belgium's total which means the true scale of deaths in other countries could be double the official stats if that rate is seen elsewhere.

Spain - the third hardest hit nation in the world - has also eased its lockdown, allowing some businesses to reopen while Austria and Italy are allowing thousands of shops to reopen.

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Germany has also allowed students due to sit exams to go back to school, and also relaxed shop closures.

Car production has also restarted at some factories, and garden centres are open again.

Denmark has seen a rush of people going for haircuts as salons opened for the first time in a month as lockdown eased.

5 Prime Minister Sophie Wilmes warned the restrictions would be tightened again if there was a flare up in numbers Credit: EPA

5 A municipal worker opens a refrigerated container containing the coffins of the coronavirus at Verrewinkel Cemetery in Brussels Credit: EPA