As with other European countries, Covid-19 figures are rising in Belgium, albeit slowly. However, health experts are currently not too concerned by the development of the virus and expect Belgium's health service to handle the rise in cases.
“An increase in pressure on health care is possible but it will not be comparable to what we experienced during the first waves,” said infectious disease specialist Yves Van Laethem on Friday.
The latest figures show that the rate of infection is just above 1, which means that the virus is gaining ground. Experts put this partly down to the start of the school year and related activities which allow the virus to spread through increased human contacts.
"The virus is still in its epidemic phase, it cannot be considered endemic. We should still remain cautious," Van Laethem asserted. The expert highlighted the impact that Covid-19 is currently having in the labour market, which is now seeing a 14% increase in absenteeism compared to the same period in 2019.
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The two primary protections remain the same: vaccination and wearing a mask. In addition, the second booster is recommended in immunocompromised people and in people over 50, to obtain better protection. Though no longer mandatory, masks are recommended on public transport and other very busy indoor places.
Only people with symptoms should perform self-tests. The vaccination campaign for the autumn season is currently underway, with a fourth dose which gives greater protection against the Omicron variant.
