READ ALSO. OVERVIEW. These new measures will take effect on Sunday night
According to Van Ranst, no postponement was possible. “It was the meeting of the last chance. Now was the time to take the strictest measures, ”he stated. According to the virologist, a lockdown must take at least four weeks to be meaningful, but he does expect an evaluation moment. It will be a “long-term effort”. “The curve goes up very quickly and down a bit more slowly.” The virologist emphasizes that it is important to agree in advance “to where we want the curve to fall”.
Van Ranst acknowledges that the lockdown will not be easy for many people and that dark weeks are on the way. “It will be more important than ever to keep in touch in other ways,” says Van Ranst. “Rather a phone call more than one too little.”
The stricter lockdown measures will apply for 1.5 months, starting in the night of Sunday November 1 to Monday November 2. “Perhaps we will make every effort to be able to celebrate in a reasonably normal way before the end-of-year celebrations,” suggests Van Ranst. “But do not expect that large family celebrations can take place,” it still sounds.
Van Ranst finds it “a bit annoying” that curfews are not equated throughout the country, but that won’t make much difference in practice. “Besides taking the dog for a walk, you don’t have many reasons to go outside at night.”
The fact that non-essential movements are not banned will not have a major negative impact on the corona numbers, according to the virologist. This decision was made because the limited freedom of movement was “very stressful” during the previous lockdown.
Van Damme: “No extra contacts for families”
“We must absolutely keep limiting contacts. This way we can isolate the households, ”emphasized Pierre Van Damme.
–
The non-essential trips are not prohibited and according to Van Damme that offers a bit of perspective. “In this way we give people room to maneuver. But the families should not have extra contacts, except one cuddle contact and two cuddle contacts for singles, so that they do not get too much loneliness. ”
Why do stores have to close? “If the non-essential stores are closed, people will not make unnecessary trips and that is the most important,” says Van Damme.
Gunstig effect
Today, we do not see any change in the corona figures in our country, despite the measures that were taken 14 days ago, such as the closure of the catering industry. According to Van Damme, the new measures announced on Friday may have a positive effect. “This is mainly in the direction of the individualization of households. That way you keep the virus in. That will work well. ”
According to the epidemiologist, this was also the advice that the experts gave. “And that is how we keep the economy straight. But the most important signal remains: stay away from each other. It is the responsibility of all of us. ”
Belgian
– .
