BRUSSELS, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Belgium has recorded 1,496 new infection cases of COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, bringing the country's total number of infections since the beginning of the epidemic to 44,293, health authorities announced on Friday.

Friday's new daily infections are much higher than Thursday's 908 cases.

Within the 24-hour period, 190 new deaths from COVID-19 have been confirmed, fewer than 230 registered over the previous period. So far, a total of 6,679 people have succumbed to the coronavirus-caused disease.

However, Steven Van Gucht, spokesman for the crisis center, said the total death number could be higher since those in Flanders in the past 24 hours could not be counted for technical reasons.

Positive news was heard from hospitals, as 210 people have been admitted to hospitals within the past 24 hours, one fewer than Thursday's 211. And the hospitalizations reached 4,355, significantly lower than the peak 6019 registered on April 7.

Decrease was also seen in intensive care units (ICUs), with 970 being treated, 23 fewer compared with the previous 24-hour period.

The National Security Council is expected to discuss the country's deconfinement measures at 2 p.m. Friday.

Although easing of measures is envisaged, Van Gucht stressed the importance of applying three rules that will reduce the risk of infections: "stay at home if you develop the disease and call your doctor, keep a physical distance, and maintain hand hygiene." Enditem

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