An average of 114.7 people per day tested positive for the new coronavirus (Covid-19) in Belgium during the past week, according to figures by the Federal Public Health Service on Friday.
The trend of new infections per day has risen by 32% over the 7-day period from 7 to 13 July, compared to the average of 86.9 new infections per day the week before.
Since last week, the number of newly-recorded infections has been on the rise again, leading the National Security Council to postpone its decision on the start of Phase 5. The increase in new infections occurs in the majority of the provinces, especially those with larger cities.
“On a national level, an increase in the number of new infections has been observed in the last 2 weeks,” the health authorities said, adding that the increase occurs in all age groups, and no longer only between 20 and 59 years old.
The total number of confirmed cases in Belgium, since the beginning of the pandemic, is 63,238. The total reflects all people in Belgium who have been infected, and includes confirmed active cases as well as patients who have since recovered, or died from the consequences of the virus.
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From 10 to 16 July, the authorities recorded an average of 10 new hospital admissions per day. The trend has stopped decreasing, and has stabilised compared to the daily average of new patients the week before.
In total, 147 patients are admitted to hospital, of which 28 are in the intensive care unit.
An average number of 1.7 deaths occurred per day over the 7-day period from 7 to 13 July. The trend decreased by 45%, compared to the daily average of 3.1 deaths in the week before.
The total number of deaths in Belgium since the beginning of the pandemic is currently 9,795.
Sciensano’s reports now focus on the evolution of the trends, and no longer on the daily figures. “This makes it possible to clearly see the trends, regardless of fluctuations in the daily figures,” the centre added.
“At this stage, it is important to continue to respect the measures in order to slow down the increase,” Sciensano said.
Maïthé Chini
The Brussels Times
