Despite the resurgence of the epidemic in recent weeks due to the arrival of the Omicron variant, the Covid-19 interfederal spokesperson for Flanders is optimistic for the future. Invited on the set of VTM Nieuws, this one however calls for patience.
According to him, it is still too early to consider that the Omicron variant is approaching a virus such as the flu, as the virologist Marc Van Ranst recently argued. “Omicron can still cause serious illness, especially seen in unvaccinated people”, He declares. However, over time, he believes that the approach to the disease might indeed evolve. “We will no longer need to conduct contact tracing or preventive quarantines. But it will be a gradual process and it is not yet for now”.
If the next few months promise to be even more complicated, the interfederal spokesperson predicts an improvement in the spring. “I think we’re going to have a great spring and a great summer. Even if the fall and winter come next, we will still face another period of uncertainty.”, He explains.
In the more distant future, the virologist believes that the situation should improve year by year thanks to herd immunity. “Our immunity will be stronger and stronger and we can say at some point that the pandemic is behind us. But, for now, there are still too many uncertainties”.