The number of new infections per day falls below 400. That is good news. Virologist Steven Van Gucht does warn against the delta variant, which is becoming increasingly dominant. “European countries must continue to commit massively to vaccination,” he said at the Crisis Center press conference.
–
The delta variant is increasingly prominent among the Belgian population. This is evident from the figures of Sciensano. The (British) alpha variant is currently still the dominant variant with 71 percent, but it is clearly on the decline. The (Indian) delta variant is clearly on the rise. Last week it was 6.1 percent of the infections, this week that has increased to 15.7 percent of all infections.
fragile balance
Virologist Steven Van Gucht: ‘We expect it to exceed 20 percent next week. The absolute number of infections with the delta variant remains relatively stable and low for the time being. This is due to the general decrease in the number of infections. It remains important to maintain that delicate balance. That is only possible if we continue to respect the basic rules.’
New figures from the European Center for Disease Control and Prevention (ECDC) warn against the advance of the delta variant. In a new assessment report on its spread, ECDC states that the variant will be responsible for 70 percent of all new infections in the EU by early August. By the end of August, that could be 90 percent.
In Great Britain, the rapid spread of the delta variant meant that the long-awaited easing of June 21 was postponed to July 19. However, the United Kingdom was quick to commit to mass vaccination: more than 45 percent of the population has already had two vaccinations. The British did use a vaccination strategy in which as many people as possible received a first shot, with the second shot possibly coming later. In the meantime, it appears that a single injection often offers reduced protection against the delta variant. Also in Portugal, the capital Lisbon and other tourist areas will again be in lockdown from this weekend due to the rapid advance of the delta variant.
Up to 90 percent of all infections by the end of August
The report also states that a further relaxation of measures during the summer months could lead to a significant increase in infections, hospitalizations and deaths by the end of the summer. Steven Van Gucht: ‘We keep repeating the message: be careful as long as you are not fully vaccinated’.
There is also good news in the report. A fourth wave can be avoided if a number of measures are maintained and the vaccination rate continues to increase rapidly. But then all European countries must make the most of this. The ECDC confirms that a full vaccination also protects well against the delta variant. That immunity is only there two weeks after the last shot. Van Gucht: ‘A rapid vaccination campaign and a high vaccination coverage are the best protection against the pandemic.’
This is how the coronavirus has spread in recent months:
– .
