The number of coronavirus infections in Belgium continues to rise extremely rapidly, and about 25% of all tests taken give a positive result, according to preliminary figures published by the Ministry of Health.
Between 30 December and 5 January, an average of 17,555 new infections was confirmed each day - an increase in the weekly average of 97% compared to the previous week (22 - 28 December).
On Tuesday 4 January, at least 28,042 people tested positive on one day, a record for Belgium.
Between 30 December and 5 January, a total of 525,471 tests were carried out, 124,948 of which were positive, bringing the positivity ratio to 23.78%.
In practice, this means that about 1 in 4 people who get tested actually turn out to be infected with the coronavirus.
On Sunday (and Monday), not all coronavirus figures are updated by the Sciensano national health institute. However, the cabinet of Federal Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke makes some preliminary figures available.
