3 July 2021: Bad news + silver lining...

3 July, 2021: The delta variant of the coronavirus is on the rise and is forecasted to become the dominant strain of the virus in Belgium before the end of the month. Subject experts are saying that the increase cannot be thwarted by vaccination alone. First, only a third of the population is fully immunised and that is not sufficient and second, those that are vaccinated are much less likely to become ill but can still carry and spread the virus. Hence, everything is dependent on our behaviour in the coming weeks whether or not we’re moving towards a fourth wave. The first signs of the increase of the delta variant were reflected in yesterday’s figures. During the week from 23 to 29 June an average of 378 people tested positive for the coronavirus. This is 5% up on the figures for the previous week. There was, however, also good news yesterday. Together with 60,000 other people in Flanders, I was able to bring forward my appointment for the second dose of AZ coronavirus vaccine with three weeks. Also, at the current rate of vaccinations 80% of all adults in the northern part of our country should be fully vaccinated. Oh, one last thing, Italy beat our Red Devils 2-1 in the Euro 2020 quarter final in Munich… Belgium is in deep mourning...
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