The decline in the number of new coronavirus infections has “at least bottomed out”. That is what Steven Van Gucht, virologist at health institute Sciensano, says on Friday. “We will report a slight increase tomorrow.”
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From the corona figures that Sciensano published on Friday for the week of June 22 to 28, it appears that in Belgium there are an average of almost 352 confirmed corona cases per day recovered. Compared to the previous week, it is still 8 percent less, but the decrease is therefore limited compared to previous weeks.
In Flemish Brabant, there has even been an increase in confirmed infections of 6 percent in the same period. In East and West Flanders the decrease is limited to just 1 percent and in the Brussels region the number of new cases has remained the same.
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See also: This is what Van Gucht said on Wednesday (and read more below the video)
Not unexpected
“I think we have at least reached the bottom,” explains Van Gucht. “Then of course the question is whether we will increase and how far, but it looks like this. Tomorrow we will report a slight increase.” The fact that the decrease in corona infections is coming to an end is “not unexpected”, according to the virologist. “It was only a matter of time before the numbers bottomed out.”
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Three aspects
Three aspects play an important role in this. Firstly, there is the emergence of the more contagious Deltavariant of the coronavirus, which was first identified in India. According to Van Gucht, 30 to 40 percent of the infections are gradually occurring with this mutation. Second, the relaxations and consequent increased contact between people has an impact. “We are well three weeks after the start of the summer plan and we can only see that in the figures.”
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As a third aspect, the virologist points to the peak of the corona tests performed. “That is of course also very important. We have a lot more testing due to travel. We see a huge increase in the teenagers and twenties,” he emphasizes. “Then you will also find more cases that we might not have seen before.”
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Follow up
It is especially important to keep a close eye on the epidemiological situation and to see how the corona figures continue to evolve after the peak in the number of tests. “It is important that the infections do not lead to hospital admissions and deaths,” says Van Gucht. “Hospital admissions are still good. They are low and continue to fall.” The well-advanced vaccination campaign plays an important role in this.
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Caution
The virologist still insists on the importance of caution and says that we must continue to realize that the corona virus has not yet disappeared. “If we let go of all caution and return to a situation as normal, then a very large fourth wave is still possible,” it sounds. “The greatest risk then lies with the people who do not get vaccinated. Those are the people who would then be admitted to hospital.”
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However, Van Gucht does not assume that scenario. “I don’t think everyone will let go of caution now.”
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Also read: Fourth corona wave expected from September: how concerned should we be? Experts explain (+)
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