“It will not be easy for people to fully accept this,” said Maarten Vansteenkiste after the press conference of the Consultation Committee. The Ghent University psychologist argues for more psychological support, because the prospect of spending the holidays in solitude is a big blow to many. “But there are ways to keep this up.”
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“We are on the right track, but there is still a long way to go.” That was the message of Prime Minister Alexander De Croo (Open VLD) after the consultation on Friday. “Only when the numbers are low enough can we change the gun from one shoulder.” Read: think about more relaxation. But when are those numbers low enough? According to Minister of Health Frank Vandenbroucke (SP.A), that is only at 800 new corona infections per day. “800 new infections per day and 75 hospital admissions: that is not ideal yet, but then you are at a safe distance from the storm. Then you can talk about relaxation, and we are not doing that yet ”, said Vandenbroucke.
For your information: today we are dealing with more than 2,500 infections. So the road still seems very long. There is talk of re-evaluation in mid-January, but the catering industry will certainly remain until February 1.
Do we have enough perspective?
“It is in any case a good start to be clear and honest,” says Maarten Vansteenkiste (UGent). “The prime minister’s communication was good and connecting, but it would be even better to be a little more concrete. To give the population intermediate goals. ”
Vansteenkiste refers to a metaphor for this: a mountain climb. “It’s like a cyclist who still has to climb a long distance. You can look back at the climb that has already been completed, and be happy that it has already been achieved so far, but you also want to know how far the climb is. Are you on a third or are you halfway through? ” In other words, encouragement is needed. “During the race there are also people ready with supplies. They can put forward concrete milestones and also specify when they will be achieved. ”
Vansteenkiste also argues for the consequences of unloading the measures to be made clear. “Visual communication can be useful. If you can clearly show what would happen if we do not comply with the measures, people will understand it better. We already know that we have to get through the sour apple in the short term, but also show us the long-term consequences. Both the negative and the positive. ”
How can we stay motivated to keep going?
“By inspiring each other”, it sounds. “Share ideas about how you will spend the coming period, not only on Christmas Eve but at other times as well.” And also: tailored to the different target groups. “I’m worried about that. A family spends this period differently from the grandparents who still live independently at home, students in dormitories or children on Christmas holidays. And there are many singles too. Not every advice works for every person. ”
Vansteenkiste emphasizes the importance of psychological support. “This support is important for a large part of the population. Minister of Health Frank Vandenbroucke spoke about 1,500 additional psychologists who will be deployed. I don’t know yet how that will work in practice, but I hope they can start soon. ” The reopening of museums is a good thing to offset the psychological impact of the coron measures. “An alternative leisure activity that is welcome.”
Are people going to stick to the measures, especially during the holidays?
“That will be closely related to the communication in the coming weeks,” says Vansteenkiste. “If there is sufficient gratitude and a positive response to the many efforts of the populations, it can only encourage us to follow the measures. There is a common goal. The more people who want to fight for the same goal, the better. ”
“People should be encouraged to try new things,” says Vansteenkiste. “Don’t just tell them what is no longer allowed, but also what is still possible. Deviating from routine is difficult, but succeeding in trying something new and refreshing can often strengthen mental health. ”
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