Number of corona infections in Belgium again on the rise

The number of corona infections is on the rise again. This is shown by the most recent figures from Sciensano, the federal institute that provides support for public health policy. With more than 9,000 confirmed infections in one week's time, Belgium seems to be groaning again under corona.

Between 12 and 18 March, an average of 9,953 new infections were identified every day, which is 25 per cent more than in the previous seven days. The number of hospital admissions has also risen. The latest weekly average is 169. This figure is well above 150, the threshold for code red on the corona barometer. However, the number of intensive care beds remains limited at 170, a number that is falling very slightly. Last week, an average of 19.3 people died as a result of a corona infection.

At the moment, Flanders has remarkably more infections than Wallonia and Brussels. Especially the provinces of Antwerp, Limburg and East Flanders are having a hard time. The municipalities of Baarle-Hertog, Vosselaar and Lanaken have the highest incidence, with increases of up to 161%.

Infectiologist Erika Vlieghe (UZA) does not want to get too hung up on these figures.

"Within the Risk Assessment Group (RAG), we look at some 50 parameters. The intensive care unit is indeed spared, but a lot of other things do worry us," she says. "Not only does the number of admissions to hospitals remain high, but we are also seeing more ​
​outbreaks in hospitals."

The number of cases is increasing, especially among people over 65. According to Vlieghe, it is important to remain cautious, especially with vulnerable people. Despite the fact that the virus is still firmly in circulation, going outside and doing self-tests does not seem to be a habit anymore. 

That we might have to live with corona for quite some time was also confirmed yesterday by virologist Emmanuel André (KU Leuven) in the Belgian newspaper De Morgen.

"There are still waves to come, and new variants. The virus will not disappear in the coming decades. The group immunity we once hoped for is not possible, but we can prevent serious illness in the vast majority of people".

André says coercive measures will no longer be necessary to deal with the virus, because we are learning to adapt each time and because our health services now have more weapons at their disposal than two years ago.

Most infections occur in health care, education and day-care centres. This is shown in a new report by professor of occupational medicine Lode Godderis (KU Leuven and Idewe). These three sectors have been responsible for most infections since December.

© BELGA