Number of infections among working population halved

Number of infections among working population halved
Credit: Belga

The number of coronavirus infections within the working population has halved in the past two weeks compared to the period before, according to data provided in a biweekly report by Professor Lode Godderis of occupational medicine Lode Godderis (KU Leuven-IDEWE), that compares the number of infections in the different economic sectors.

The data covers the period from 19 July to 1 August. Compared to the previous period, which runs from 28 June 28 to 11 July, the incidence of the virus has been halved, shrinking from 951 to 484. The incidence is the number of infections registered in the last 14 days per 100,000 inhabitants.

The number of infections in the working population has fallen faster than in the general population. In early July, there were even more infections within the working population, whereas the average incidence in the working population is just below that of the general population.

This would appear to be due to the holiday period, which means there are fewer employees at work. In addition, the extensive social and recreational activities during this period contribute to a higher incidence in the general population.

Most infections are recorded in the health, social and care sectors, but also in the aviation sector, including at the support facilities.

There is a sharp decrease in the number of infections among educational staff, which points to the fact that the holidays and the closing of schools have an important influence on the decline in the figures.

Professor Godderis is therefore callings on us to prepare now for the start of the new school year and the return from vacation.

Staff shortages could arise in certain sectors, such as education and the healthcare sector, he added.


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