The Federal Health Department is advising people in Belgium to cover their noses and mouths during the forthcoming winter to help prevent the spread of viruses such as flu and COVID-19. The recommendation applies to busy places and, for example, when you go and visit your GP. Those that have been off sick from work are also advised to wear face coverings for the first few days after their return.
Face coverings “recomended in busy places, where there are a lot of ill people” this winter
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At this time of year many people have coughs and runny noses. As is the case every year there are a lot of viruses circulating among us. In order to curb the spread of flu, RSV and coronavirus, the Federal Health Department had drawn up a new plan with a number of recommendations. Most were applicable (either as mandatory measures or as recommendations) during the coronavirus pandemic. They include ensuring sufficient ventilation, the regular washing of hands and the wearing of face coverings in certain situations.
Gerlant Van Berlaer of the Federal Health Department told VRT News "If there are a lot of viruses circulating it is sensible to wear a face covering in busy places such as on public transport or at indoor events. "It is certainly the case that we strongly advise vulnerable people to take extra precautions. This can in part be done by wearing a face covering and of cause by getting vaccinated”.
The advice is if you are ill, stay at home. Those that have been off work through illness are advised to wear a face covering for the first few days after they return.
Face coverings not advisory for children and teenagers
The advice concerning face coverings only applies to adults. "There is no scientific evidence that the wearing of face coverings has big impact on infection rates among those under the age of 18. However, it is a good idea not to go and take sick children to visit grandparents and if your do to make them wear a face covering”.
Colour codes
The recommendations are part of a comprehensive plan with four colour-coded warning levels. The lowest level, green is when there is little virus circulating. The highest level is red. This is applicable when hospitals are at risk of overcrowding. From code orange face coverings are recommended for adults in crowded places. Under code red, it is recommended to avoid crowded places althogether.
Currently, code green is in force. The public health science institute Sciensano's weekly report shows that compared to previous years, few people with flu symptoms are visiting their GPs.
However, the number of RSV infections has risen sharply in recent weeks. RSV is a virus that causes respiratory infections and can be particularly dangerous for babies. According to Sciensano, last week the number of RSV infections reached epidemic levels. The number of hospital admissions of patients with RSV has also risen sharply. However, for the time being at least there are still far fewer infections than during the same period in 2022 and 2023.