“The peak of the fifth wave is clearly behind us”, assured the interfederal spokesperson Covid-19 Steven Van Gucht on Friday, during the presentation of the latest figures. The conditions for switching to code orange for the corona barometer will be met in the second half of February, added the virologist, a few hours from a Consultation Committee which could act on this demotion.
The number of contaminations is falling faster and faster, and this in all age groups, rejoices Steven Van Gucht. In the second half of the month, the beds occupied in intensive care will drop below 500 and admissions below 150, the two conditions for moving to code orange will therefore be met. The virus is still circulating a lot, however, since the contaminations remain higher than the peak of the fourth wave, noted the virologist.
The Omicron BA.2 subvariant is increasing a little (+7%), but it will not cause a new wave, he added. During the past week, new admissions fell by 18% and 23,200 new cases were recorded on average per day (-44%). In total, 3,925 Covid patients are hospitalized in Belgium, including 403 in intensive care (-6%). Deaths have increased slightly to 43 per day on average (+ 29%), mainly among people aged 85 and over.