The number of Covid-19 infections in Belgium is slowly increasing again, but there is no reason to panic, says virologist of the Sciensano national health institute Steven Van Gucht.
The concentration of the virus has been rising in the sewage water in recent weeks, which naturally results in more infections among people. This is not only happening in Belgium, but also in other countries – and it is not unexpected.
"The rise already started at the beginning of August," Van Gucht said on Flemish radio on Wednesday morning. "Normally the rise only starts in September. We do not have a good explanation for it, but if you look at the absolute values, the figures are still low – especially compared to the previous wave."
As in previous years, experts are predicting an expected increase in infections in October and November. "Schools are reopening and people remain indoors a lot more. As we know, those things have an impact on the course of the virus," said Van Gucht.
Never say never
Some five or six variants are currently circulating in Belgium: "some are increasing, others are decreasing. There are two newer variants among them, but that is normal. Variations come and go. It will be that way for the next few decades, even hundreds of years."
Since 26 April, people who test positive for Covid-19 no longer have to quarantine, and according to Van Gucht, that measure is unlikely to return. "Never say never, but the return of those strict measures would surprise me. We should stop thinking in those terms. That was really in the pandemic period. Now, we are in the next phase."
Still, Van Gucht did stress that it remains important for people who have symptoms to stay at home. "That applies to any illness, for that matter. Of course, wearing a face mask, washing your hands and doing a self-test also remain good practice."
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In terms of vaccinations, a new campaign will be launched from mid-September. While Van Gucht reiterated that there is no real need for young, healthy people to get another Covid-19 shot, a booster is highly recommended for people over 65 years old and those with an underlying illness.
"It is a matter of getting immunity as high as possible just before winter and the season of respiratory viruses," he said. The vaccinations are likely to be administered through GPs, pharmacists and nurses from October.
