Marc Van Ranst publishes a report on his social networks: “We are going to start a complicated period”

It is on his Facebook page that the expert published two graphs commenting on the current pandemic situation with in particular the role that the omicron variant will probably play.

The virologist begins by giving information about the variant which is spreading at high speed in Europe. “The omicron variant causes severe, life-threatening pneumonia less often. But we are currently going through a period where the number of omicron infections is very high,” he writes.

Then, he explains that the situation will be complicated, especially for hospitals. ” It will be an unpleasant time with many sick people and a brutal overload of primary care. In many workplaces (including hospitals) many employees will be absent at the same time due to illness over the next few weeks. will cause problems “, he indicates, specifying that celebrating the New Year in business would be the dumbest thing possible.

“Due to the large number of patients, more of them will need to be admitted to hospital. Some will even need to be admitted to intensive care, although Omicron is less prone to disease. Not to mention that intensive care is still filled with patients who have contracted the delta variant. We have never started a wave with so many people in intensive care “, worries the Flemish expert.

He then evokes the difficult period that we are going to have to go through. “We are now going to enter a very difficult period. But we’re going to have to get by with the package of measures we currently have. “ The virologist then lists what should be done to avoid the worst-case scenario:

– Opt for 100% telecommuting.

– Wear FFP2 masks on crowded buses or trams.

– Avoid crowded places where people are not wearing masks.

– Ventilate even more than usual .

– Perform quick tests (throat swab rather than nose smear) when you meet people inside.

Marc Van Ranst finally concludes his publication with a message of support and living together. “Omicron is not yet our friend and not yet our salvation in the face of this pandemic . We have to get through this Omicron wave first, hoping we don’t have too many injuries. Be careful and help each other, vaccinated or not. “