Currently in Belgium, 83,500 people have been infected with the coronavirus since the start of the crisis. And for several weeks, the virus has resurfaced, raising fears of the arrival of a second wave. Afterwards, in particular Antwerp and Liège, it is now Brussels which is the most affected by the resurgence of the coronavirus.
In the face of the coronavirus, it seems we are not all equal. Indeed, the most densely populated cities and neighborhoods seem to be the most affected by the epidemic. But it is also the most disadvantaged neighborhoods that seem the most exposed.
In Brussels, for example, the municipalities of Saint-Josse, Anderlecht, Saint-Gilles and Schaerbeek seem to be more impacted, with the largest number of positive cases being recorded there.
Population density
In Saint-Josse, for example, there are 27,000 people per km2. It is the most densely populated municipality in the entire Brussels Region. 120 nationalities live there.
This population density is an element that promotes the spread of the virus within the population. Especially since the return period of vacation is particularly critical.
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To remedy this situation, a screening center was opened in this municipality. From now on, the inhabitants, from this Friday until September 13, can go there 7 days a week, as soon as they return from holidays in the red zone or if they have a prescription.
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In the population of Saint-Josse, in fact, there is some concern about the spread of this virus. “Saint-Josse, as we know, there are a lot of North Africans and Turks, and we cuddled very much, very family”, explains a woman who came to be tested at the opening of the new center. And she adds, “we have lost a lot of people to Covid-19 in our community”.
A question of social inequalities
However, several studies have shown that ethnic origin is not an aggravating factor. But social inequalities play a role in the spread of the virus, particularly in employment and housing inequalities.
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Indeed, “what we see is that the Covid-19 is spreading much more in very densely populated urban spaces, and where living spaces, houses or apartments, are relatively small”, says André Rea, sociologist at the ULB.
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Otherwise, “the coronavirus is more widespread among people who have not been able to use telework, so delivery men, cashiers and cashiers, nurses”.
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