The Omicron variant of the coronavirus is continuing its rapid spread and already accounts for 60% of confirmed cases in Belgium, according to microbiologist Emmanuel André, in charge of the national reference lab for Covid-19 in Belgium.
Last weekend, Omicron overtook Delta to become the dominant variant in Belgium as it accounts for more than 50% of all detected Covid-19 cases.
"60% of the infections are now due to this new variant. The number of cases will now be driven by the rapid rise of Omicron. The impact will be mitigated by a massive booster campaign and eventual milder virulence. But there is still a high workload to come for the health sector," he added.
#Omicron update in Belgium. 60% of the infections are due to this new variant. Number of cases will now be driven by the rapid rise of Omicron. Impact will be mitigated by massive Booster campagne and eventual milder virulence. But high workload to come for the health sector.
— Emmanuel André (@Emmanuel_microb) December 27, 2021
On Saturday, biostatistician Geert Molenberghs told VTM News that he expects the new variant to account for 90-95% of all new infections by New Year.
"The infection figures are now on a downward slope but the difference is less significant on a daily basis," Molenberghs remarked. "If this continues, there will come a time when infections will start to rise again, as seen abroad."
In recent days, Omicron has been the main cause of a record number of Covid-19 cases being registered in France, Italy and the United Kingdom. In Belgium, hospitalisations continue to drop.