A 100th birthday is an occasion to celebrate in the best of times.

During a coronavirus epidemic that has cut a swathe through Europe's elderly and vulnerable, it proved inspirational.

On Wednesday, staff and well-wishers at the Bois de l'Abbaye hospital in eastern Belgium took a moment to salute newly-minted centenarian Julia Dewilde.

The retiree, who was born during the Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-1920, celebrated her birthday at the weekend, four days before a test confirmed her recovery from Covid-19 and she was allowed to return to her retirement home.

A medical worker offers flowers to Belgian 100-year-old patient Julia Dewilde as she leaves the Bois de l'Abbaye hospital in Seraing. — AFP
A medical worker offers flowers to Belgian 100-year-old patient Julia Dewilde as she leaves the Bois de l'Abbaye hospital in Seraing. — AFP

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