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This happens when the corona virus reaches Belgium

AFP / M. Medina

There is no point in starting to panic about the possible spread of the corona virus in our country. That emphasizes Minister of Health Maggie De Block (Open Vld). The minister points out that the authorities are constantly monitoring the situation. But a warned man is worth two and that is why Het Nieuwsblad took a few steps.

There is some panic in Europe after the death toll in Italy continues to rise due to the corona virus. So far, 7 people have succumbed to the virus. In the meantime, a thousand tourists have also been detained in a hotel in Tenerife, including 110 Belgian travelers who had booked their holiday through TUI. The sun-whoppers had to quarantine after one of the hotel guests, an Italian doctor, had tested positive for the virus. The virus is therefore getting closer. What awaits us? According to experts, the scenario is already ready.

Phase 1: vigilant

We are currently in this phase. That is what Jan Eyckmans, spokesperson for the FPS Public Health at Het Nieuwsblad, says. “The point is now to manage the pandemic. We guard the territory with the intention of detecting the virus as soon as it crosses the border. We pass on all available information to all doctors, from the university hospitals to the doctor in the farthest corner of the country. For example, they have already received an improved and adapted procedure three times, with up-to-date information about the symptoms, addition of suspect countries, etc.

Phase 2: Contamination in Belgium

“Once a source of infection has also been established in our country, it is important to stop the spread as quickly as possible, by tracing, isolating and caring for the infected persons, and at the same time listing who they have been in contact with: family , fellow passengers on the train, colleagues in an office … “, says Eyckmans. “Those people must also be followed. They are then advised to stay at home and measure their fever several times. “

Phase 3: the virus cannot be stopped

The impact of the virus must be reduced as much as possible in this phase. “The priority is then to receive and treat all victims optimally, at home or in the hospital,” says Eyckmans. Then we have to free up as many hospital beds as possible. Every hospital has its own emergency plan for this: some opt for a temporary admission stop, others spread their patients across hospitals in the area or postpone non-urgent interventions. ”

If the virus can no longer be stopped, the Minister of Health and the Government can decide at this stage, at the suggestion of the scientists, to cancel large meetings, but also to close schools and museums. In the worst case, villages or towns can even go into lockdown. The police or the army may be called in for this. But provincial governors should also not be overlooked: they have emergency and intervention plans and coordinate, among other things, cooperation between the emergency services. Although virologist Marc Van Ranst can still reassure us: “We are not that far yet.”

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