Belgium could run out of intensive care beds within two weeks

BELGIUM could run out of beds in intensive care units within two weeks, according to officials on Monday, October 25.

Belgium, which has around 11 million residents, currently has Europe’s second-highest infection rate per capita registering 1,288 new Covid-19 infections per 100,000 residents over the past week.

It has also recorded 10,810 total deaths, which is one of the highest per capita fatality rates in the world.

The alarming rise in cases has meant patients in intensive care units (ICUs) are beginning to double every eight days, registering 757 as of Sunday, and with 4,827 people in hospitals.

Health Ministry spokesman Yves Van Laethem told a news conference Belgium’s maximum capacity of 2,000 ICU beds might be reached in two weeks if the increases continue.

“Within four days, by the end of the week, we should pass the milestone of 1,000 patients in intensive care,” Van Laethem said.

“If the curve doesn’t change with our behaviour, we should reach 2,000 patients in intensive care in two weeks, our maximum capacity.”

All sport and cultural facilities in the Brussels region, one of the hardest hit in Europe, including cinemas, museums, and theatres have been forced to close and residents face a longer curfew from Monday, October 26.

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