Is the Netherlands the leading country in the correct approach to the corona crisis? Many Belgians think that our government should be equally drastic in its approach and should declare at least a partial lockdown, Belga writes. Prof. Marc Van Ranst, virologist at KU Leuven, does not agree. What should we expect from our policymakers? “To draw up a resolute policy, to get the population along in the strict compliance with the measures that are being issued, but certainly not to participate in an auction of ‘who is the strictest here?’,” Said Van Ranst.
–
First question: Rutte and his government in The Hague show the way through a partial lockdown to proclaim? “When it comes to corona, I certainly do not see the Dutch as a guide country,” Van Ranst responds on Wednesday in a conversation with Belga. “In a sense, the Dutch have caught up with us, because they were lagging behind. They have only now introduced the mouth mask obligation, while we have already done so much earlier. The Dutch are simply carrying out a catch-up operation.”
–
‘The biggest hammer’
Furthermore, the Leuven virologist does not think it is a good idea to let other countries take them along. “Especially during crises, you quickly tend to outdo each other with strict measures.” Who has the biggest hammer here? ” is often the big question. And that reflex is often fueled by public opinion and the media. “Why are we so lax compared to the neighboring countries?”
–
“Nevertheless, what the neighboring countries decide does play a role,” says Van Ranst. “What the French President Macron will announce on television on Wednesday evening in terms of measures will certainly apply to us, and especially in the French-speaking part of the country, as a kind of bible for the Consultation Committee on Friday.”
–
Keep working in your room, then become the new slogan. But of course that only applies to those who can
–
Homework
Instead of the strictest policy, Van Ranst pleads for the most sensible policy. So what does that mean in light of Friday’s Consultation Committee meeting? “I suspect that there will be a lot of focus on working from home”, the virologist expects. “Keep working in your room, will then be the new slogan. But of course that only applies to those who can. It is difficult for a bus driver to do his job from home.”
–
Waterproof
What about the close contacts formerly known as bubbles? Should they be limited even more? “With those close contacts, the question arises to what extent those rules are properly followed. I do not have the impression that the rules are still properly followed today. That is why the government must absolutely call for strict adherence to them.”
–
“Look, there is a lot possible with regard to sports and cultural events,” he continues. “But it only depends on whether those events are properly organized and whether those who attend, actually respect the rules.”
–
That figure of 7,000 new infections per day really has to go down, otherwise we will not keep it up
–
Van Ranst understands that we want to safeguard certain sectors. “That applies, for example, to education and the healthcare sector. But we also have to realize that the stress on the health system is becoming unsustainable. That figure of 7,000 new infections per day really needs to be reduced, otherwise we will not last. Not even with regard to testing. So you need watertight measures. ”
–
Coronamoe
That will not be easy with a population that is coronamoe. “Certainly not”, agrees Van Ranst. “And for the sequel it will be even more difficult to get the public excited than it was for the first episode.”
–
(Read more below the photo)
–
–
New government
Are we in a better position with the new government than with the previous one? “I think that the Prime Minister (Alexander De Croo, ed.) And the Minister of Health (Frank Vandenbroucke, ed.) Form a good tandem, and they should certainly continue to do so,” says the virologist.
–
“If they communicate together, no one else from the government should add anything to it. De Croo and Vandenbroucke understand the urgency and I think they will now also feel strengthened by the polls that immediately put them in places 1 and 2 in terms of popularity. Hopefully they will come up with a bold, but also balanced policy. ”
–
“Actually, a European approach would be ideal now,” Van Ranst concludes. “But we can only dream of that. It is still a pandemic too soon for that. ”
–
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss out on the stars.
–
–
