Six of the 14 volunteers from the local radio MFY in Helchteren became infected with the corona virus last week. ”, Said chairman Lenn Melotte on the radio on Sunday evening. “The programming is therefore partly interrupted during the weekend, but everything can continue as usual during the week. Colleagues make radio from home in isolation. ”
“The first report of an infected colleague came in last Wednesday. We then decided to have everyone tested and quarantined immediately. Last weekend the results came in step by step, and today we are taking stock of six infections. ”
“During the lockdown, many programs were made at our volunteers’ homes. As measures were scaled back, people also came back to the studios and measures were taken on the spot. Nevertheless, contamination has been able to circulate, which we regret of course. “
The cause of the infections is a lack of ventilation, according to virologist Marc Van Ranst. “A cloud of virus particles can accumulate when a room is insufficiently ventilated. Large buildings are equipped with a ventilation system, but your editorial office and studios are small and do not have a ventilation system. That is why I have been emphasizing the importance of ventilation in, for example, classrooms where many people are together, and for good reason. Opening a window and allowing drafts is extremely important.
Most infected employees have few or no symptoms for the time being. And that makes the virus very dangerous.
“Young people in particular often have few or no symptoms. Their bodies can handle it better and that is good, but it is very dangerous for the spread of the virus. ”, Says Marc Van Ranst on the radio (can be listened to here). “The importance of acting quickly and informing contacts via contact tracing has really become clear to us,” says chairman Lenn Melotte. “I especially hope that everyone will be okay again soon, and that family and friends will stay healthy. The health of our volunteers, our friends, is now paramount. ”
In the coming days, the sick presenters will keep their listeners informed via the radio and via social media. “Every day we will publish a video diary of one of our presenters on Facebook. In which they tell how they are doing, ”says Lenn Melotte.
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