Coronavirus: Belgium averages over 84 new infections a day, trend slightly upwards

Coronavirus: Belgium averages over 84 new infections a day, trend slightly upwards
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An average of 84.3 people per day tested positive for the new coronavirus (Covid-19) in Belgium during the past week, according to figures by the Federal Public Health Service on Saturday.

The total number of confirmed cases in Belgium since the beginning of the pandemic is 62,469. 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 from the consequences of the virus.

An average number of 84.3 people per day tested positive for the virus over the seven-day period from 1 to 7 July. The trend stopped its downward movement on Friday compared to the daily average of new infections the week before, and increased slightly by 4%.

From 1 to 7 July, the authorities recorded an average of 10.1 new hospital admissions per day, which is a decrease of 9% compared to the daily average of 11.1 new patients in the week before.

In total, 168 patients were admitted to hospital, 32 of whom are in the intensive care unit.

An average number of 2.4 deaths occurred per day over the seven-day period from 1 to 7 July. The trend decreased by 48% compared to the daily average of 4.7 deaths in the week before.

The total number of deaths in Belgium since the beginning of the pandemic is currently 9,782.

“The number of new infections in the period from July 1 to 7 has increased slightly from the previous week. The increase mainly occurred in the province of Antwerp (41 new infections) and mainly in the age category of 20-29 years (+14 infections, or an increase of 47%) and in the category of 50-59 years (+21 infections, which represents an increase of 68%),” the health institute Sciensano said.

At the national level, the past two weeks saw a slight increase in the number of new infections, with between 80 and 85 new cases per day. Most new infections now occur in the active population (20-59 years).

Due to the decrease in the spread of the virus over the last few weeks, Sciensano’s reports will focus on the evolution of the trends, and no longer on the daily figures. “This makes it possible to clearly see the trends, regardless of fluctuations in the daily figures,” the centre added.

“The virus has not disappeared from our country,” said the health authorities. “So keep applying the tips to protect yourself and your family,” they added.

Because of the new way of reporting, with figures based on seven-day averages, the effect of the obligatory wearing of face masks, which comes into force today, will not be seen in the figures until next week at the earliest.

Alan Hope

The Brussels Times


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