Belgian analysis of Chinese aircraft wastewater reveals no Covid variants of concern

Belgian Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) announced this Tuesday 31 January that the analysis of waste water from planes arriving from China did not reveal any worrying variant of Covid-19. Two tests were sent to the lab, where genome sequencing was performed, but no previously unknown variants of concern were found.

"In other words, the first results are reassuring. It is a good thing that we reacted quickly and appropriately. I now look forward to the European consultation which takes place this week," added Vandenbroucke.

Faced with the outbreak of Covid cases in China, the Belgian government decided at the beginning of the month to analyze the wastewater from planes arriving from China and to subject passengers to preliminary tests.

According to figures provided by Vandenbroucke, 2130 travelers from China have been verified and asked for a negative test certificate on their arrival in Belgium.

With the exception of a single traveler in transit, they were all in order. Only one person could not present a negative result on arrival. This traveler was therefore invited to take a test which turned out to be negative, which allowed him to continue his journey.

In addition, 72 passengers were tested by nasal swab on a voluntary basis upon their arrival at Brussels Airport. All results were negative.

(VIV)

^{© BELGA PHOTO (Peter PARKS / AFP)}