Belgium's coronavirus deaths hit 20,000, still among world's highest per capita

FILE PHOTO: A healthcare worker takes a nasal swab sample of a man at a new testing site at the Brussels Airport, Belgium January 2, 2021. REUTERS/Johanna Geron/

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Belgium's death toll from coronavirus infections, one of the highest per capita in the world, has breached the 20,000 mark, according to official data published on Sunday.

The country, home to the headquarters of the European Union and NATO, has played down comparisons that show it to be one of the world's worst hit by the pandemic, but virologists point to some missteps and systemic problems. A country divided by language, Belgium gives regions substantial autonomy and has nine health ministers.