Virologists believe that if a new variant proves to be dangerous, the strategy to fight the coronavirus should be adapted quickly.

IThe biggest criticism of the Concertation Committee is that the limit of 500 intensive care unit beds will not be further reduced as a condition of rest in July and August. By then, we should have far less than 500 ICU beds”, explains virologist Mark van Ranst in a daily interview. morning.

On the subject of variants, he recalls that “viruses mutate, that’s the logic. We’ve known this for a long time; the same goes for influenza viruses.” It’s not always a big problem. If a new variant proves to be dangerous, the strategy to fight the coronavirus must be adapted quickly. There is nothing more to do in this case. “

He believes there is “a good chance” that the Indian version will dominate in Belgium. “In the UK it is already on the rise. And the same may happen to us. Especially since, if we see it anyway, by the summer, we will be exchanging variants.”

“Vaccination is in progress and vaccination coverage is high: this is good news. But we still have to be careful,” he concluded.