The rapid decrease in the number of new coronavirus cases in Belgium is continuing its course, however, Covid-19 deaths are still rising.
Between 6 and 12 February, an average of 14,822 new coronavirus infections were identified every day – a 46% decrease on the previous seven days, according to the figures published by the Sciensano Public Health Institute on Wednesday morning.
The Omicron variant currently accounts for 89.1% of all cases in Belgium, up by 1% from last week.
The average number of PCR tests taken per day in the same period decreased by 30% to 54,315.3. The positivity rate dropped after reaching a record-high and now sits at 30.9%, meaning just under 31 out of 100 tests that are taken have a positive result.
As a result of this improving situation, Belgium will be moving to ‘code orange’ on its coronavirus barometer from Friday – meaning that rules for events, leisure activities and the hospitality industry will become more relaxed.
Despite the improvement in most Covid indicators, the number of people dying as a result of the virus is still on the rise, albeit at a slower pace. Between 6 and 12 February, an average of 44 Covid-19 patients died per day, up 4% since last week.
On Thursday last week, 64 deaths were recorded in one day, the highest number since January last year, however, it appears the peak may have been reached. Total deaths in Belgium since the start of the pandemic amount to 29,778.
The highest increase in this number was recorded among people aged over 85, as infections are spreading most rapidly within this age category, both in and outside of residential care centres. However, it is also increasing among those aged 75 to 84.
Situation in Belgian hospitals
Between 9 and 15 February, an average of 260.3 patients suffering from Covid-19 were admitted to hospitals each day – a decrease of 20% on the seven days previous.
This number reflects how many people end up in hospital specifically because of the virus, not those who are admitted with another condition and then test positive for the coronavirus.
On Tuesday, a total of 3,514 people were in Belgian hospitals due to infection – 134 fewer than on Monday. This number covers all patients who tested positive for Covid-19, including those who were first admitted with a different condition.
The number of patients in a life-threatening condition has decreased significantly since last week. Currently, 363 people are being treated in intensive care (-17), while 168 (-7) patients are on a ventilator.
Reproduction rate, incidence, and total vaccinations
The reproduction rate (Rt) has slightly increased to 0.86. This figure represents the average number of people that contract the virus from each infected person, and when it is above 1, it means that the epidemic is gaining ground in Belgium.
The incidence (the number of new cases per 100,000 inhabitants) is continuing to decrease and now sits at 2,561 over the past 14 days.
As of Monday, more than 8.99 million people are fully vaccinated – 91% of Belgium's adult population and 78% of the total population.
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Meanwhile, more than 6.83 million people have received a booster dose of a coronavirus vaccine, representing 73% of over-18s and 59% of the entire population. The majority of adults should have had the opportunity to get a booster dose by March 2022.
A recent study from the United Kingdom's Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that booster vaccinations are estimated to have prevented 105,600 people from ending up in hospitals following a Covid-19 infection since mid-December.
