The isolationist mentality entailed by the Covid-19 pandemic wasn't only an effective means of preventing the virus' circulation, many other maladies were curtailed by the restriction of human bodies. But with citizens and economies eager to put all that behind us, the pleasures of free movement mask underlying hazards.
Though public conscience remains sharpened to the dangers of contact with strangers, the possibility of contracting bedbugs is perhaps not the first concern when planning a trip. But these tiny organisms are becoming a big nuisance and after colonising beds across France, the parasitic insects making their presence felt in Belgium as well.
Some reports tell of massive increases in incidence, with specialised companies upping their fees to deal with the problem. The unusually clement past weeks have been conducive to bedbugs, which spread when conditions are mild. And as they stick to human bodies and their clothes, the creatures move as we do.
The assertion by one Brussels pest controller that 40% of Belgium's bedbugs have entered the country attached to international travellers would be difficult to substantiate and seems a little tenuous. But there is actually consensus that travel is the conduit that most often conveys the critters from one nest to the next.
In light of this uncomfortable possibility, should we be more vigilant next time we make a trip, especially one that might involve an overnight stop? Let @Orlando_tbt know.
Belgium in Brief is a free daily roundup of the top stories to get you through your coffee break conversations. To receive it straight to your inbox every day, sign up below:
1. Strike could shut down Belgian airspace from Thursday
Staff at air traffic controller Skeyes have threatened to strike from Thursday onwards which could see almost the entire airspace over Belgium being shut down until a solution between management and unions has been found. Read more.
2. National protest: Heavy public transport disruptions expected on Thursday
Heavy disruptions on public transport networks are expected across Belgium on Thursday 5 October, as trade unions are organising a national demonstration against the so-called 'Van Quickenborne bill' to restrict demonstrations. Read more.
3. 'Growing problem': French bedbug infestation spreads to Belgium
After rapidly infesting much of France and becoming increasingly present on the French transport system, bedbugs are beginning to arrive in Belgium, with pest control companies receiving a surge in calls for suspected infestations. Read more.
4. N-VA will 'not, never, nowhere' govern with far-right Vlaams Belang, says De Wever
Bart De Wever, leader of the Flemish right-wing N-VA party, is not willing to govern with the far-right Vlaams Belang party after the elections, he said during a political debate following the first political science lecture at Ghent University this year. Read more.
5. Only one third of students chooses their profession based on shortages
Few students in French-speaking secondary education are willing to pursue a career in fields which are in short supply, Le Soir reports, citing a report from Walloon employment agency Le Forem. Read more.
6. Vooruit leader Rosseau to be questioned about possible racist remarks this week
Leader of the Flemish socialist Vooruit party Conner Rousseau will be questioned this week about potentially racist remarks he made to police officers about a month ago, following an official report for racism and xenophobia. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: Isaac Cordal street art
Isaac Cordal is a Spanish street artist who places tiny human figures in unexpected urban locations. He often works in Brussels, but his miniature cement figures are almost impossible to spot. Read more.
