After 2020 was dominated by lockdowns and restrictive measures against the coronavirus, 2021 will be a year for positive change, health officials stated during a press conference on Tuesday.
As the people in Belgium followed the measures very well during the Christmas holidays, 2021 can start with better figures, according to virologist and interfederal Covid-19 spokesperson Steven Van Gucht.
"2021 will be a year of positive change," said Van Gucht, referring to the start of the country's large-scale vaccination campaign.
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"It will be a year with a difficult start that will require patience and perseverance, but gradually, there will be more opportunities and perspective."
While Belgium's coronavirus figures continue to decline, this is not self-evident, according to him, as coronavirus cases are still rising in other countries, despite the Christmas holidays.
On top of that, Belgium also has a lighter lockdown than its neighbouring countries. "Our motivation to persevere is our most important weapon," Van Gucht said.
Maïthé Chini
The Brussels Times