As Belgium continues to bring the coronavirus under control, the latest figures from the Sciensano Public Health Institute show that the virus reproduction rate (Rt) continues to drop and is now below 1 – a drop of around 20%.
This figure represents the average number of people that contract the virus from each infected person, and when it is above 1, it means that the epidemic is gaining ground in Belgium. This latest figure is a promising sign for the progression of the virus as it shows that new cases will decrease.
Between 26 January and 1 February, an average of 38, 081 new coronavirus infections were identified each day — a 27% decrease on the previous seven days. 15% fewer tests were carried out, Belga News Agency reports.
The positivity rate also slowed down and now sits at 43.9%. Of these positive tests, 99% were cases of the Omicron variant.
Situation in Belgian hospitals
4248 Covid-19 patients are currently in hospital – an increase of 11%. The number in intensive care units has also risen to 430 – a 17% rise. Between 29 January and 4 February, an average of 352 patients were admitted to hospital as positive Covid-19 cases – a 1% decrease on the previous reference period.
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During this period, an average of 33.6 people died each day after having tested positive – up 30% on the previous figures.
77% of the population is entirely vaccinated with 58% having received a booster dose.
