Decline in numbers seems to be slowing down, but on track with so…

Virologist Steven Van Gucht of the National Crisis Center is optimistic: we are on schedule with the summer plan. But a warning soon follows: the decrease in the number of infections and hospital admissions seem to be slowing down. Due to the many relaxations, increases are again possible in the coming weeks, but Van Gucht predicts that the vaccinations can keep the pressure on hospitals manageable.

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He refers to the countries where vaccinations are higher and where the delta variant is circulating, such as the United Kingdom. Many infected people do not end up in hospital. For example, six percent of confirmed infections in Belgium end up in hospital. In the UK, it’s just 1.3 percent. This can be explained by more testing, which means more infections are detected, but also because more people are protected. Almost half of Britons are fully vaccinated, compared to a third of Belgians.

Increase in tests makes interpretation difficult

The delta variant is further gaining ground in Belgium. Just under a quarter of the number of infections (23 percent) is currently the delta variant. A week earlier, it was still 16 percent. The infections mainly occur among people in their twenties, about 25 percent of the total. Although there is a possible bias in the figures: young people, who are often not yet fully vaccinated, are being tested these weeks before going on a trip, which may explain the increase. ‘That makes the interpretation of the figures more difficult,’ says Van Gucht.

Hospital admissions are therefore becoming the most important indicator and are still declining, but less pronounced. An average of 20 patients are admitted per day. Most are under the age of 60. This points to the good efficacy of the vaccines. ‘If the decrease continues, we will reach the symbolic threshold of 100 patients in intensive care on 10 July,’ predicts Van Gucht.

Belgium at the top of the rankings

Belgium has the third highest vaccination rate in Europe, reports Gudrun Briat of Taskforce Vaccination Proudly. Our country is in second place in terms of daily number of vaccinations administered. On a global level, it is in the top 10 countries with the highest vaccination rates. ‘Who could have thought that.’ However, the delta variant presents our country with a new challenge. She therefore addresses the doubters: ‘The vaccination centers will remain open all summer and will welcome you with open arms.’

Young people aged 12 to 15 with underlying conditions can be referred by their GP to the vaccination centers from Thursday 1 July. They will then be given priority.

Safe support for the Devils

Finally, they were also asked about the possible risks that the European Football Championship entails. Van Gucht notes that the number of trips is indeed increasing as a result and that the competitions sometimes take place in countries with a higher infection rate. ‘Furthermore, in some countries full stadiums are allowed, which is not allowed here, for example’, it sounds.

The Belgian supporters wish Van Gucht a pleasant European Championship. Still good advice? ‘Support for the Red Devils, but do it with a fixed, small group and keep your distance from other groups.’ Cheering produces drops. ‘And even one hug can be enough for an infection.’

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