Public Health Minister Frank Vandenbroucke (Vooruit) warned the House committee on Tuesday against underestimating the risk of Covid-19 infection. “Because we have effective measures against the virus, the risk is perceived to be lesshe explained. “People don’t see the risk anymore, but it’s still there.”
The Health Committee of the Chamber debated on Tuesday a bill relating to the improvement of indoor air quality in closed places accessible to the public. “We spend 85% of our time indoors”recalled the minister. “This should not be underestimated.” The minister then referred to the fall wave of infections that began last week. “It’s time to remember that there is quite a significant circulation of the virus and that we are at the start of a wave.”
According to figures from Sciensano, between September 27 and October 4, an average of 94.3 patients were hospitalized per day for Covid, an increase of 28% on a weekly basis. “Perhaps we are facing the paradox of prevention”, continued Deputy Prime Minister Vooruit. “We have taken effective measures, such as vaccination. We know that ventilation is effective. But because we are taking effective measures that have consequences, the risk is perceived as lower. We must not be fooled by this paradox of prevention.”
Frank Vandenbroucke stressed the importance of a successful vaccination booster campaign. However, despite considerable efforts by the authorities, the results in Wallonia and Brussels have so far been unsatisfactory. “Model managers tell us that we need to have at least 50% of the vulnerable population revaccinated, as well as all over 50s. We are far from this, especially in Wallonia and Brussels”did he declare. “People don’t see the risk anymore, but it’s still there. That’s why we urgently need to step up the campaign.”