October 11, 2020
17:05
–
Now that the corona numbers are going in the bad direction, calls are being made for a new lockdown. How long can the De Croo government hold off the boat?
–
“The figures are dramatic,” said Minister of Health Frank Vandenbroucke in the afternoon news on VTM.
–
From the new statistics shows that the coronavirus is spreading at a rapid pace in our country. On Wednesday, more than 6,000 infections were recorded for the first time in one day, a record.
–
On average, more than 100 people are admitted to hospital every day. That is ten times more than a month ago, when the number of hospital admissions was still very limited. In total there are now 1,257 people in hospital, of which more than 200 are in intensive care.
–
We are still a long way from the record at the end of March, when more than 600 people were hospitalized every day at its peak.
–
Still, the question is openly asked whether a new lockdown is not appropriate. Margot Cloet of Zorgnet-Icuro did already in The Seventh Day a call for stricter measures. Virologist Erika Vlieghe also made it clear that the situation is alarming.
–
Frank Vandenbroucke admitted that the numbers are bad, but will remain defend the existing measures (maximum three close contacts, maximum four people invite home and cafes closed at 11 pm). He did add that provincial governors and mayors can announce stricter measures on their own initiative.
–
However, there is great pressure to announce stricter national measures. But then you quickly end up with a new lockdown and everyone wants to avoid that. For example, Flemish Minister of Education Ben Weyts (N-VA) wants to prevent the schools from having to close again at all costs.
–
Moreover, the first lockdown showed that such a ravage causes in the economy that everyone wants to avoid a second one. The economy is expected to contract by 7.2 percent this year and the economy will not be fully recovered from that blow by the end of next year. Companies still sign one now revenue loss of an average of 14 percent. And next year they also expect a 10 percent decline in turnover. A second lockdown would worsen those numbers.
–
Vandenbroucke said he could not guarantee that a second lockdown could be avoided. To avoid this, everyone must stick to the agreements, he emphasized. That Thursday evening on the Oude Markt in Leuven was being held by students, many people met with disbelief. The fact that a small group ‘spoils’ it for society is causing quite a stir.
–
It is no different in other European countries. The numbers go there too in the wrong direction and a new debate arises about a possible lockdown.
–
Much will depend on how the numbers evolve in the coming days and whether the hospitals can absorb the influx of new corona patients. If, fourteen days after the announcement of the new, stricter measures in our country, it appears that there is no effect on the figures, the government will be forced to change the gun.
–
–
