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Strengthening of certain measures, controls, sanctions … Thursday’s National Security Council must review its strategy in the face of the resurgence of the Covid-19 epidemic in Belgium. What should we expect from it? In particular an increased role of the mayors.
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This Thursday, the National Security Council (CNS) will meet. He was expected to make arrangements for the organization of phase 5 of deconfinement. Change of program: this phase has been postponed, as announced on Tuesday by the Minister in charge of Public Health, Maggie De Block. In question, the figures of the Covid-19 epidemic which are experiencing a steady rise and therefore alarming for several days. Both the political world and the experts have already sounded the alarm signal, recalling the precautionary instructions. But it turns out that many Belgians feel totally deconfined and take advantage of the sun by clearly taunting physical distancing and respect for this bubble of 15 people per week.
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The virus is therefore regaining strength, we see it in particular in this famous reproduction rate of the coronavirus, estimated at 1,323 over the week of July 14 to 20 and therefore also on the rise. This trend must be curbed and several avenues are on the table. The CNS will have to decide which ones will be applied. Overall, the role of the mayors should be highlighted in order to be able to implement measures at the local level. What can we expect as announcements?
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Where to wear the mask?
First, the extension of the wearing of the mask. Currently, the mask is mandatory in shops, places of worship, cinema, public transport … It is recommended in very busy public spaces. Very little followed instructions.
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The obligation to wear oral and nasal protection could extend: busy streets, markets, all public services, etc.
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Better targeting
Not all of Belgium is affected by this upsurge in the epidemic. Thus, Walloon Brabant appears to be an excellent student. The province of Antwerp and Limburg are very affected; Flanders is also much more affected by the increase in cases. But here too, it is necessary to refine.
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The sources of contamination are often very precise: families, religious communities … There are also “problem” profiles: young people, little ill, have become the main contaminators. The very touristic places are also in the viewfinder. Some measures may only be applied in a very localized fashion. The mayors will therefore have a role to play. Especially for enhanced information and controls.
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For the sanctions, as well. The ministerial decree will have to be relaxed. There is no question of localized reconfigurations yet, but the Mayors are waiting for a roadmap to know how far their prerogatives can extend. In Flanders, they will receive a guide explaining the measures they can take if the situation requires: curfews, targeted confinement, closure of shops and catering, call to the police, civil protection, the army …
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Elio Di Rupo, Walloon Minister-President, considered reduced hours for cafes and restaurants. A listing of clients was also mentioned. As well as a reminder of the basic instructions.
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Improved tracing
A whole series of improvements to the tracing process will be implemented, particularly in terms of communication. The call centers will be notified three times a day new cases of contamination and will therefore be able to start listing contacts and notifying people earlier. Hospitals and laboratories must provide the test results available within the hour. “Attendance lists” could be made compulsory for all events: the contact details of the participants would thus be easily available if a case of Covid-19 is detected among them. Sciensano should also quickly warn the mayors contaminations in their commune.
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Return from trips
About the voyages, people returning from risk areas to Belgium by plane, train, boat, bus or car must fill out an electronic form by which they undertake to respect quarantine measures and through which they will receive an activation code to obtain a test.
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evolution of the number of cases of covid-19 since phase 3 of deconfinement
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