If the number of infections continues to fall at this rate, we will be at less than a thousand infections per day in a month, according to the press conference of the Crisis Center. Steven Van Gucht does urge people with symptoms to get tested.
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The decline in infection rates and hospital admissions continues, and for the first time the number of patients in intensive care is not increasing any further, ‘said virologist Steven Van Gucht at the press conference of the Crisis Center. The pace also seems to be slowing down with the increase in the number of deaths.
“At this rate of decline, we may be below a thousand infections per day within a month, that is from 9 September ago, about a week after the start of this wave,” says Van Gucht.
‘We see the decline in all age groups, in all provinces and municipalities. For the first time, we now also see that the number of new cases is highest among people in their forties. Relatively speaking, we still note the highest contamination rate among the over-80s, but here too a clear decline has started. ‘
The decreases are occurring in all provinces and in almost all municipalities. The decrease is fastest in the Brussels-Capital Region, Liège, Flemish and Walloon Brabant, while Hainaut remains the province with the highest number of infections.
Yesterday, as many as 609 new corona patients were admitted to hospital, probably compensating for the weekend. Van Gucht is also cautiously optimistic about hospital admissions. ‘At the moment 1,470 patients are in intensive care. This figure is also slightly lower than the day before. We may have reached a peak and the number of patients in intensive care will not increase any further. The situation for healthcare remains very difficult, but through our joint efforts we are safeguarding the healthcare sector from the worst-case scenario. ‘
Deaths continue to increase, but at a decreasing pace, according to Van Gucht. On Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 200 deaths or more were reported each time. In Wallonia, the mortality rate has almost reached the level of the first wave. ‘
‘A test saves lives’
Van Gucht does warn. ‘We hear from GPs that people choose not to have themselves tested and prefer to stay at home and wait. That is not a good idea. Just under one in three people with symptoms test positive. Each person passes the virus on to at least one other person. In this way, sooner or later the virus will reach someone with poor health. ‘
‘Figures have to go down as quickly as possible. If you have symptoms, even a cold, contact your doctor as soon as possible. A test saves lives. It’s not so much about yourself, but about the people who come after you. ‘
‘Avoid gathering in crowded places’
Yves Stevens, spokesperson for the Crisis Center, also warns against excessive optimism, after the positive reports about the corona vaccine and the declining figures. ‘The numbers are still way too high. There are still thousands of infections every day. Many are seriously ill or worse, are in hospital. We have to descend all the way into the valley. Anyone who has ever stood on a mountain knows that the descent can be long and dangerous. We are far from finished. ‘
He also encourages avoiding gatherings in crowded places. ‘Don’t go too far. There are certainly still beautiful places to discover in your own environment, on foot or by bicycle. Last weekend it was busy in some popular places, such as on the coast. Too busy. If you see that there are too many people somewhere, don’t stay. ‘
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