The number of Brussels residents with Covid-19 is rising slightly, notes the Cocom this Friday morning during its weekly report. The last week of August, 109 patients were hospitalized, including 10 in intensive care. While the number of cases rose from 822 to 896. The week of the start of the school year, the number of hospitalized patients climbed to 137, including 13 in intensive care. The number of Covid deaths has increased from 1 to 5 between these two weeks.
However, not all indicators are negative. The incidence rate (rate of positive cases per 100,000 inhabitants) thus fell from 158 to 141 between these same two weeks. Ditto for the percentage of positive tests: 15.4 / against 13.2% the week of the start of the school year.
The Cocom expects “a new peak for mid-October”. “The last two years have demonstrated the risk of a resurgence during the fall and winter, like the flu.” She therefore invites the people of Brussels to “adapt their behavior”, in particular by resuming the habit of wearing the mask in places with a high concentration of people.
The Cocom thus sent 25,500 invitations to be vaccinated to Brussels residents aged 50 and over, to immunocompromised people and to healthcare staff. It is continuing its campaign with 20,000 invitations per day, in order to reach the 317,000 people concerned. And reminds that from October 1st, all adults in Brussels can come and be vaccinated, with or without an appointment. Provided they received their last dose more than three months ago.
258 cases of monkeypox
The Cocom also provided an update on monkeypox in the capital region, which is more particularly affected than the Walloon and Flemish regions. As of September 6, 258 Brussels residents had contracted it, compared to 384 Flemings and 84 Walloons. People with questions about monkeypox can call 02.214.19.29 Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.