With this corona wave over its peak, now preparing for the next one

It looks like the present corona wave in Belgium is well over its peak, with the number of infections dropping steadily. The focus is now on the autumn. A second boostervaccination campaign is in full preparation.

The statistics on corona have always been a bit unreliable, but they are even more so now, since many people don’t bother anymore to get tested and/or registered. However, it’s clear the present, seventh, wave is ending, with a decreasing number of infections. The number of people in hospital and ICU is still increasing a bit. And still, every day, some 10 people die, with or because of covid-19.

Hospitals will welcome the end of the wave, since they are under pressure. The numbers are not as high as they used to be, but hospital staff is on holiday and in need of a break after two years of pandemic.

New vaccines

Once summer is over, a new and bigger wave of corona can be expected. The federal and regional governments are therefor taking the necessary precautions. A broad new vaccination campaign is under way. Preferably with new vaccines that can prevent infections with the new, more contagious variants, but if necessary with the old vaccines that prevent heavy symptoms and death.

Authorities are however worried people in Belgium are tired of the vaccines and of the prevention measures. Experts already today talk about a return of the mouth masks once we start living inside again.

(DDW)

BELGA PHOTO ERIC LALMAND