15 January 2021: ‘A new danger’: UK coronavirus variant begins circulating in Belgium

15 January 2021: On average during the week to 11 January 2,085 people a day tested positive for thecoronavirus.  The figure is up 24% on the week and the fall in the number of hospitalisations has slowed further. Also, the more infectious B117 mutation first detected in Britain has started circulating in Belgium without links to foreign travel. In light of the growing number of coronavirus infections with the UK variant and the first detected case of the South African variant on Wednesday virologists are calling for tighter restrictions on travel abroad. Meanwhile, from Saturday, a curfew will apply throughout France from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Also, the Dutch government is looking into the option of bringing in a curfew in an effort to further cut down on contacts between people and so reduce the spread of the virus. In summary, we’re still having long and dark months ahead of us. A mood that is well reflected in today’s street shot taken downtown Ghent – Ghent, Belgium.