The number of coronavirus patients in Belgian hospitals approaches 2,000, as daily infection figures continue to climb across the country, according to Sciensano’s latest figures on Friday.
Between 6 and 12 October, an average of 5,976.3 new people tested positive per day, which is an increase of 96% compared to the week before. On Monday, over 8,500 people tested positive for Covid-19 on the same day.
The total number of confirmed cases in Belgium since the beginning of the pandemic is 191,959. The total reflects all people in Belgium who have been infected, and includes confirmed active cases as well as patients who have since recovered, or died as a result of the virus.
Additionally, 193.1 new hospitalisations per day were recorded on average between 9 and 15 October, up from 144.6 per day the week before.
In total, 1,949 coronavirus patients are currently in hospital, which is 172 more than yesterday. Of those patients, 327 are in intensive care, 14 more than yesterday. Patients on a ventilator number 167 – seven more than yesterday.
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From 9 to 15 October, an average number of 23 deaths occurred per day, up from the average of 17.4 the week before.
The total number of deaths in the country since the beginning of the pandemic is currently 10,327 – 49 more than yesterday.
Over the past two weeks, 549.6 infections were confirmed per 100,000 inhabitants, an increase of 182% compared to the two weeks before.
Since the start of the pandemic, a total of over 3.9 million tests have been carried out. Of those tests, about 46,500 were taken over the past week, with a positivity rate of 12.7%.
The percentage went up from 10.7% last week, meaning that even though more tests are being carried out – which naturally results in more confirmed infections – the epidemic is still growing.
Maïthé Chini
The Brussels Times
