The number of infections rose rapidly: Hospitals remain on alert ‘but no panic or major disruptions’

It remains to be seen to what extent hospital numbers will continue to rise in the coming period. “We can see the number of occupied beds doubling and doubling in intensive care,” Stephen van Gucht estimates cautiously. “Now we have 229 occupied beds. I hope we can stay below 500 beds, but then it has to be covered in time.”

To get around these numbers, Stephen Van Gucht reminds us that recommendations that still exist can make a difference. In specific terms, Van Gucht makes three recommendations:

• If you feel sick, it is very important that you stay home and get tested.

• If you have not yet been vaccinated, you should still receive the coronavirus vaccination. Van Goght also recommends vaccinating the elderly and people with underlying conditions against influenza.

• Also consider a mouth mask: If you have a sore throat or a runny nose, assume it could be a mild form of the coronavirus and that it can infect other people. Stay home or wear a mask and say you are doing so as a precaution.

“These are small things we can do, but they could have a very big impact on the scale of the next wave. This could make a big difference for hospitals,” concludes Van Guchte.