The Brussels region alone has 750 new cases in one week. However, these new contaminations are distributed very unequally among the 19 municipalities. We can see that they are more numerous in less privileged neighborhoods.
The Brussels Region designated as a new home and masked throughout the public space. However, in the number of new contaminations, one area stands out: the north-west would be much more affected. St-Josse, the most densely populated municipality in the country, has the most cases per 100,000 inhabitants.
“There are more and more tests. Today, the tests are extended to the population. It is normal that there is more contamination. In addition, with the higher rate of population density, the the more young people, the more catering per square meter, there are more activities in St-Josse than in other municipalities. Perhaps this is also where the explanations lie “, underlines Emir Kir, mayor of St Josse.
The language barrier
With 83 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, Schaerbeek is the 4th bad student in the ranking. The population density is also very important. “In our very dense neighborhoods, it is often also precarious families who live in small places, so it is difficult to stay inside all the time. That may also explain the increase in cases”, enlightens Cécile Jodogne, mayor acting as Schaerbeek.
Another difficulty: the language barrier. Some inhabitants do not receive enough information because they do not speak French and Dutch. The municipalities must then adapt. “We are working with community media and in all languages to reach all these audiences who are niches”, precise Emir Kir. “The town has decided to run a car with loudspeakers which also broadcast these awareness messages in 5 languages”, indicates Cécile Jodogne.
Should the mask be imposed only in the most affected municipalities? Some experts wonder. But be careful with the figures, it is impossible to know how many people have carried out the test in each municipality.
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