The number of new coronavirus infections reported in Belgium continues to decline significantly compared to today’s advisory committee, resulting in lifting some restrictions.
Between February 1 and 7, an average of 23,239 new coronavirus infections were identified every day – a 44% decrease over the previous seven days, according to data published by the Sciensano Public Health Institute on Friday morning. The Omicron variant currently accounts for 87.9% of all cases in Belgium.
The average number of PCR tests taken per day in the same period decreased by 32% to 72,475.6. The positivity rate dropped after reaching a record-high and now sits at 37.6%, meaning just under 38 out of 100 tests that are taken have a positive result.
Despite the improvement in most major indicators, the number of people dying due to the virus is continuing to increase. Between 1 and 7 February, an average of 43.1 Covid-19 patients died per day, up by 29% since last week.
The highest increase in this number was recorded among people over 85, as infections are spreading most rapidly within this age category, both in and outside residential care centres.
Total deaths in Belgium since the pandemic began are 29,563. On Friday last week, 60 deaths were recorded in one day, the highest number since the end of November last year.
Between 4 and 10 February, an average of 297.7 patients suffering from Covid-19 were admitted to hospitals per day – a decrease of 18% on the seven days previous.
This number reflects how many people end up in hospital specifically because of the virus, not people who end up in hospital with another condition and then test positive for the coronavirus.
On Thursday, a total of 3,925 people were in Belgian hospitals due to an infection, 166 fewer than on Wednesday. This number covers all patients who tested positive for Covid-19, including those first admitted with a different condition.
