2 January 2021: It’s not over yet but there are rays of hope

2 January 2021: Update on The Corona Pandemic – During the week from 23 to 29 December an average of 1,656 people tested positive for coronavirus. This is 30% down on the 7-day rolling average for the previous week. Today’s figures are the fifth in a row showing a 7-day rolling average bellow 2,000 positive tests. The bad news is that more than 30 countries found the more contagious virus variant first seen in Britain.The variant, known as B.1.1.7., has not been known to lead to more severe cases of Covid-19, but its circulation is likely to portend more infections and more hospitalizations at a time when many countries are already battling surges in caseloads and anticipating more from holiday gatherings and travel. It means that despite the positive trend we’re currently seeing in Belgium we will need to continue to religiously adhere to precautions like social distancing, mask-wearing, hand hygiene and ventilation for a while. 2020 was an anus horribilis and also 2021 isn’t getting off on the right foot but there are rays of hope and hopefully by summer we can throw a big summer party with family and friends. For now, we had to replace the new year’s toast with granny with a little stroll in the park. Maybe not so much fun but definitely a healthier start in the new year – Wevelgem, Belgium.