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21 April 2021: The number of new infections is stagnating at a high level and there is a dreadfully slow fall in the hospital figures. During the week from 11 to 17 April an average of 3,469 people tested positive each day. That is the same number as yesterday. 3,103 patients are currently in hospital with Covid and 925 are in intensive care. The positivity rate stands at 9.8% and the reproduction rate is 0.99. Looking for today’s silver lining? Well, the EMA approved the J&J vaccine arguing that the benefits largely outweigh the risks. Since there is more than just Covid news I decided to post a picture from Havana from February 2018. I believe the picture is relevant for two reasons: (1) It’s been a while since I saw a bartender and (2) Raúl Castro handed over leadership of Cuba’s ruling Communist Party to a younger generation… At the time that I made the shot there was no way that I could imagine that this ever would happen – Havana, Cuba.
28 July 2021: The number of new coronavirus infections being recorded in Belgium has more or less stabilized after sharply increasing earlier this month. Between 18 and 24 July, an average of 1,474 new coronavirus infections were detected per day. Hospitalisations due to the coronavirus continue to increase slightly, and between 20 and 26 July, there was an average of 28.3 new hospital admissions per day. Last Monday, a total of 305 people were in hospital because of the coronavirus, of whom 97 were being treated in intensive care. The reproduction rate of the coronavirus has dropped to 1.08 after rising to 1.29 last week. Worrying is that there is a rise of breakthrough infections with the Delta variant in people who are fully immunized. I don’t have the figure for Belgium but in the Netherlands 11% of people testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 were fully vaccinated. A very large percentage of these infections are asymptomatic, but these people still can transmit the virus to the most vulnerable among us and those that are not fully vaccinated. Therefore, meticulous compliance to measures like social distancing and wearing face masks remain necessary for the weeks to come… On display today is an early morning picture from the little harbor of Port-en-Bessin. I was looking northeast in the direction of Arromanches where you can see the remains of the artificial harbor that was constructed in 1944 shortly after D-Day… Port-en-Bessin, Normandy, France.
28 January 2021: All key indicators continue to rise. In the week to 24 January on average 2,168 people tested positive each day. The figure is up 9% on the week. In the same period hospitalizations are up with 18% and number of fatalities with 7%. Meanwhile, as vaccine production falls behind schedule, and most European countries are lagging in inoculating people, the EU and AstraZeneca are on a collision course. The EU has been hoping that the arrival of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine would hasten the pace of vaccinations, but AstraZeneca told the European Union at a teleconference last week that it was going to slash its scheduled deliveries to 31 million doses by the end of March, less than half of the 80 million doses than what the company initially promised. European officials have implied that AstraZeneca, headquartered in Britain, sent vaccines to Britain that were meant for the continent instead. Relations between Britain and the EU were already testy after more than four years of wrangling over Brexit and this for sure doesn’t help to build a workable relationship in the future. It’s sad to see that where science is succeeding common sense, diplomacy and solidarity is failing. The good news is that after a limited delay in the production of vaccines, the Pfizer plant in Belgium has returned to its normal production schedule. Today’s picture is another vignette from life in Ghent during this unprecedented crisis – Ghent, Belgium.
29 July 2021: As reported yesterday a small number of people are still getting infected with the coronavirus even after being vaccinated, the symptoms they report differ from those for non-vaccinated people. The few people that are fully vaccinated and are not asymptomatic report following complaints: headaches, a runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, and a loss of smell. Not only fever, but also a persistent cough has disappeared from the list. The loss of smell – which was also a well-known symptom of the original strain of the virus – reappeared. The findings come from a large-scale study conducted by the King’s College London University in collaboration with health science company ZOE, based on data from more than four million people who use ZOE’s COVID Symptom Study app worldwide. The researchers pointed out that although vaccinated patients show fewer (severe) symptoms and get better faster, and that there are virtually no people in hospitals who have been vaccinated you better have a corona test done as soon as you suddenly start sneezing for no apparent reason. Meanwhile, the number of infections in Belgium is still up albeit at a slower pace. Between 19 and 25 July, an average of 1,472 new coronavirus infections were detected per day, a 8% increase from the average of the previous week. On display today is another picture of our Normandy trip. It’s an early morning view of the remains of the harbor that was constructed in 1944, just a couple of days after D-Day – Arromanches, Normandy, France.
24 April 2021: From 14 to 20 April, the number of people testing positive per day decreased by 4% to 3,600 from the 7-day average of the week before. On Thursday 22 April 2,989 patients were being cared for in hospitals. Of those in hospital 910 are on ICU units. The positivity rate and reproduction ratio stand respectively at 9.7% and 1.01. Despite these concerning figures and despite the fact that healthcare professionals are saying that they may have to send ICU patients abroad, the Belgian government announced yesterday a number of short and medium-term relaxations of the restrictions. Non-medical contact profession will re-open as of Monday and bars and restaurants will be able to reopen their outdoor facilities on Saturday 8 May. The government also confirmed an earlier decision to allow outdoor events for up to 200 people. Also, indoor events for up to 200 people will be allowed, providing that no more than 75% of the capacity of the concert hall, cultural centre or theatre is filled. The latter is conditional on at least 80% of all the members of vulnerable groups having been vaccinated and no more than 500 COVID-19 patients are on the country’s ICU wards. Whilst I’m bracing for the potential impact of these decisions, I’m trying to enjoy spring in Ghent – Bijloke, Ghent, Belgium
16 November 2020: Update on The Corona Pandemic – I find it hard to find beacons of light that might lighten up my day. Yes, the corona statistics continue to improve in Belgium, but the number of fatalities is still on the rise. The measures that were implemented to curb the further spread of the virus are paying off, but some people find it increasingly hard to comply to the rules and it puts a strain on the relationship between the police and some youngsters. Yesterday in Brussels 3 officers were injured when they were attacked during a corona check. Meanwhile, in the US the virus is surging, breaking infection records across the country. Whilst more and more people are wondering if Trump is attempting a coup or is just throwing another tantrum the country is surpassing 11 million infections as of yesterday and is facing the most dangerous public health crisis since the 1918 influenza pandemic, which killed an estimated 50 million people worldwide. For me, as indeed for many in these difficult days, walking and capturing my hometown as it unfolds in front of my eyes continues to be a lifeline to sanity. On display today is the “Book Tower”. The tower is part of the Ghent University Library and houses more 3 million books – Boekentoren, Ghent, Belgium.
Objektiv Zeiss Flektogon 4/25 an SONY A5000
Bildflächennutzung ggü. Kleinbild: 43%
Bildflächennutzung ggü. Bildkreis << 25% (Makro)
1 March 2021: The figures continue to rise. In the week to 25 February on average 2407 people tested positive each day. This figure is up 19% on the week. Also, the number of hospitalizations is up by 20%. In the week to 27 February an average of 144 patients with COVID-19 were hospitalised each day. In light of these deteriorating figures the government finally understood that they need to reset the country’s vaccination strategy. Next Wednesday they will address three questions. First, can the AstraZeneca vaccine be administered to people above the age of 55 years. The second question is whether the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine can be administered 42 days after the first, instead of 21 days as has been recommended thus far. The final question is whether administering a single dose would be enough instead of the two recommended for some vaccines. The last question is perhaps a little bit premature but the other two seems to me as no brainers. And yeah, there was that other thing that caught my attention yesterday. Erica Vlieghe, the head of advisory group to the government said that people should stop whining and moaning about the impact of the measures that were put in place to curb the spread of the virus. “If we do not stop telling ourselves ‘it’s horrible,’ and ‘we can’t stand it any longer,’ then we definitely won’t be able to stand it any longer..” she said on a talk show on national TV. Well, she’s probably right… I should stop worrying about it and continue to enjoy documenting how life unfolds before my eyes during these unprecedented times. I don’t know why this view caught my attention. I just liked it and decided to bucket it as another urban composition – Rembert Dodoensdreef, Ghent, Belgium.
21 March 2021: The number of new cases is soaring and is 38 percent up on the week. In the week to 17 March 3613 people tested positive. The rolling average of hospitalisations is 26 percent up on the week. Between 13 and 19 March an average of 187 corona patients had to be taken to hospital each day. Also, the number of corona patients in intensive care wardens keeps going up. Given these frightening numbers it is understandable that virologists and healthcare professionals are disappointed with the measures announced earlier this week to stop the rise of the virus. It is thought that mainly the schools and the workplace are helping the virus to gain ground again. While corona tests are being suggested to all those who can't work from home, a closure of the schools was also on the cards, but instead no decision was taken. I hope we can reach a normal situation by the summer, but in order to have that, we should be stricter at present. On display today is little William who is oblivious to the danger of the virus – Kortrijk, Belgium
Beautifully done. Melissa made this - some of my interests over the years encompassed in a plant pot! For sure it wont be everyone's cup of tea but def works for me.
i have been preoccupied with germs for the past 40 years or more but nice to move to a stage of my life where my thoughts are more germ free!
X Ray Spex - Germ Free Adolescents
6 March 2021: The latest figures on the coronavirus pandemic give us hope that a third wave of the pandemic can be averted in Belgium. Outbreaks of coronavirus are becoming rarer and fewer and fewer deaths are being recorded. In the week to 2 March on average 2343 people tested positive each day. This figure is down 1% on the week. The number of hospitalisations linked to coronavirus, however, continues to increase sharply. During the week to 4 March an average of 156 people with COVID-19 were admitted to Belgian hospitals each day. Let’s hope that the stabilization in the infection figures will quickly translate into a stabilization in the number of hospitalizations. Yesterday the government pre-empted the assumption that less stringent corona measures can work and announced its strategy for deconfinement. From 8 March outdoor meetings of up to 10 people will be allowed, providing social distancing is obeyed, with a recommendation to wear face masks. From April events can be held outdoors with a maximum of 50 people and if all goes well, the hospitality sector will be able to open from 1 May. There is a glimmer of hope, however, let’s not be blinded by it. The virus remains in circulation and is as dangerous as it was at the start of the pandemic. Meanwhile, I continue to document my hometown. What I’m seeing is sometimes surreal, ugly, paradoxical and complex. It’s a little bit of everything and a little bit of nothing but it’s unique in its own right. On display today is something that was in short supply at the beginning of this unprecedent crisis – Design Museum, Ghent, Belgium.
Objektiv Zeiss Flektogon 4/25 an SONY A5000
Bildflächennutzung ggü. Kleinbild: 43%
Bildflächennutzung ggü. Bildkreis << 25% (Makro)
8 April 2021: The number of patients being treated for Covid in intensive care during the third wave has reached a new high. Meanwhile the average number of new cases continues to fall. During the week from 29 March to 4 April an average of 4,243 people tested positive for SARCoV-2. The figure is down 12% on the week. 3,167 patients are currently in hospital with Covid. The figure is up 14% on the week. 893 are in intensive care. Yesterday, the EMA stated that a possible link was found between AstraZeneca’s vaccine and very rare cases of blood clotting. Although the European agency stressed that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks and that based on the current data, no specific risk factors (such as age or gender) could be identified, and therefore, did not recommend any measures such as an age limit, the Belgian government decided to suspend the use of AstraZeneca’s vaccine for people younger than 55. With this decision Belgium joins France in banning the use of AstraZeneca on under 55s. In Germany and the Netherlands the vaccine is reserved for over 60s. The minister of health claims that the impact of the decision on the rollout of the vaccination campaign will be minimal. On the other hand, I think that the decision means that I’ll have a couple of weeks more to document Ghent in all its facets – Gentbruggestraat, Ghent, Belgium
Objektiv Zeiss Flektogon 4/25 an SONY A5000
Bildflächennutzung ggü. Kleinbild: 43%
Bildflächennutzung ggü. Bildkreis << 25% (Makro)
31 December 2020: Update on The Corona Pandemic – The drop in the number of hospitalisations and new covid cases is being confirmed. In the week leading to 27 December on average 1,789 people a day tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.
The figure is down 29% on the week. The figure is dipping below 2,000 for the second successive day now. It's the first time in three months that the figures are so good. Experts, however, are warning against too much optimism, fewer people are having themselves tested during the Christmas holidays and the impact of family gatherings and vacationers still has to be seen. But still, Belgium is doing particularly well compared to other European countries. We are currently having an incidence of 260 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants over the past two weeks. In the Netherlands, this is 907, in Germany 379 and in France 277. The U.K. is facing a figure of 720 and is struggling with the new variant of coronavirus. As a consequence, there is a growing fears that international travellers may import the coronavirus in times when Belgian figures are improving. Therefore, the government announced yesterday tighter measures for holiday makers returning home. The new rules will apply to anybody returning to Belgium after a stay of at least 48 hours abroad. People will have to undergo a corona test upon arrival, self-isolate for 7 days and take a new corona test after one week. The new scheme will come into force as from today, and will apply at least until 15 January. All of this makes perfect sense to me; however, I’m wondering how one can drive compliance to these rules. The occasional checks in airports, on international trains and on motorways will most likely not do the trick. Anyhow, we’re happy that we stayed at home but we’re missing our international travel. Today’s picture was taken in Ollantaytambo, the gateway to the Amazon and Machu Picchu 4 years ago - Ollantaytambo, Peru.
Objektiv Zeiss Flektogon 4/25 an SONY A5000
Bildflächennutzung ggü. Kleinbild: 43%
Bildflächennutzung ggü. Bildkreis << 25% (Makro)
9 April 2021: The number of new infections is down for the sixth day in a row. During the week from 30 March to 5 April an average of 3,591 people tested positive for SARCoV-2. The figure is down 25% on the week. Unfortunately, there are still over 900 patients being treated in intensive care. Hopeful news is that vaccinations in Belgium are picking up speed. This is largely due to the on-time delivery of the Pfizer vaccine. Over the Easter break 600,000 people will get their first jab in Flanders. The figure equals that of the number of people that received the jab during the entire period ahead of Easter. Also, the first supplies of the Johnson & Johnson corona vaccine are set to arrive in Belgium this month. The one-shot Janssen vaccine that doesn’t need to be stored at low temperatures is the fourth to be approved for use in the EU after Pfizer, Moderna and AstraZeneca. This good news deserves some happy faces. On display is a mural by Phase. – Neerscheldestraat, Ghent, Belgium.
18 November 2020: Update on The Corona Pandemic – On Monday 16 November there were 276 hospital admission, while 123 COVID-19 patients were discharged from hospital. In total there are currently 6,580 COVID-19 patients being cared for in Belgian hospitals. Of these 1,408 are on intensive care wards. A little bit of good news but still a long way to go. Last Monday we saw the reopening of schools with pupils attending all lessons in person in kindergarten, primary and the first two years of secondary and we will need to see if this will lead to a kink in the downward trend of the curves. Let’s hope not… Also, in The Netherlands the number of coronavirus infections has declined for the third week in a row albeit at a slower rate than in the first week of the extra lockdown measures that were announced a fortnight ago. And although the pressure on Dutch hospitals continues to be very high these extra measures, such as the closure of museums, cinemas and swimming pools will be lifted as of today. At home, residents will also be allowed up to three visitors per day, instead of two. To me “it’s a keep your fingers crossed” decision… On display today is the Heuvelpoort, an important crossing in Ghent; traffic is notably lighter during these corona times… Ghent, Belgium.
5 June 2021: The downward trend of all key corona indicators continues. There are currently 1,063 COVID-19 patients being cared for in Belgian hospitals; of those hospitalised 364 are on intensive care wards. During the week from 26 to 1 June an average of 1,723 people in Belgium tested positive for the coronavirus. This is 12% down on the figures for the previous week. The positivity rate is 0.44 and the reproductive rate currently stands at 0.85. Considering this positive development, the government gave yesterday the official go-ahead for the announced relaxations from 9 June and introduced the latest travel rules. In summary, bars, restaurants and all other businesses in the hospitality industry will be allowed to open their indoor areas to clients.
Both the indoor areas and the terraces can already open as early as 5:00 AM, and can stay open until 11:30 PM. The current rules will continue to apply: a maximum of four people at a table, with tables 1.5 metres apart. The main focus of yesterday’s communication was on travel. The rule remains that people returning from a green or orange zone do not have to undergo a quarantine period. This was already the case today, and this stays the same. From 1 July, travelling to and from red zones will be possible with the European Digital Covid Certificate for travel within the EU. The condition is that you have been fully vaccinated for at least two weeks or that you can present a negative PCR test or a recovery certificate. The government also devised an “Emergency Break” procedure to curb the introduction and spread of any new more infectious variants of coronavirus. Those that enter Belgium from a country or region of the world where such a variant is prevalent will have to quarantine for 10 days. This also applies to people that have been vaccinated. People not resident here that come from “high risk areas” are not allowed to enter the country. On paper all of this makes sense, but I guess that driving compliance will be a big challenge… On display today is a mural from Matthew Dawn – Ham, Ghent, Belgium.
2 February 2021: In the week to 29 January on average 2,323 people tested positive each day in Belgium. The figure is up 9% on the week. The number of hospitalizations and deaths from the virus continues to fall. Although the country remains in the grip of the coronavirus and the treat of a third wave is still there the coronavirus curve remains relatively under control. Also, in the Netherlands the number of coronavirus cases continue to fall and reached their lowest level in four months. Yesterday, 3,280 cases were reported. In recent days the rate of decline has accelerated to more than 18% week on week, prompting speculation that lockdown restrictions will start to be lifted in the second week of February. The Dutch cabinet is considering reopening primary schools and daycare centers and to lift the controversial curfew as of 10 February. All shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues such as cinemas and theatres are expected to remain closed until 2 March. Whilst we are all longing for spring to come I continue to snap my way around the city center of Ghent. On display today is an extract of the ICC building – Ghent, Belgium.
14 October 2020: Update on The Corona Pandemic – Belgium released more worrying data, both the number of coronavirus infections and the number of people that are being hospitalized continue to be on the rise. Hospitals across the nation are increasing their capacity for Covid-19 patients and are hoping that the situation doesn’t turn into a war situation. On Friday the government will announce the “Corona Barometer”. The barometer will work with colour codes which will stand for certain measures. Depending on the figures, a gradual tightening or relaxing of the measures in force will be possible. Meanwhile, yesterday the Netherlands introduced a string of new restrictions to curb the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Among others, here are the most important ones: cafes, bars and restaurants will be shut down for at least four weeks, the number of social contacts and movements will be cut drastically and working from home will become mandatory. Other noteworthy news was that Belgium will purchase rapid coronavirus tests after all. The decision came three weeks after Germany and the Netherlands placed the order. Yesterday, it was also announced that the EU finally agreed to introduce uniform color codes for travel zones. Today’s beautiful postcard view of downtown Ghent conflicts sharply with the worrying situation we’re confronted with – Ghent, Belgium.
2 June 2021: The corona figures continue to fall. There are currently 1,232 COVID-19 patients being cared for in Belgian hospitals; of those hospitalised 438 are on intensive care wards. During the week from 23 to 29 May an average of 1,739 people in Belgium tested positive for the coronavirus. This is 28% down on the figures for the previous week. The positivity rate is 0.47 and the reproductive rate for currently stands at 0.82. Even the more skeptical virologists are upbeat about the trend. They are anticipating that at this rate there will be fewer than 400 patients on ICUs and by mid-June this could be even fewer than 300. For this happy giant the sky is the limit… Oude Houtlei, Ghent, Belgium
Evening near the Oudegracht and Gaardbrug/Gaardbridge. It is more tranquille now because of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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Vroege avond, bij de Gaardbrug. Door de pandemie is het verlatener.
3 June 2021: The pressure on the healthcare system eases further. There are currently 1,161 COVID-19 patients being cared for in Belgian hospitals; of those hospitalised 403 are on intensive care wards. During the week from 24 to 30 May an average of 1,715 people in Belgium tested positive for the coronavirus. This is 29% down on the figures for the previous week. The positivity rate is 0.46 and the reproductive rate currently stands at 0.86. Tomorrow the government is expected to give the official go-ahead for the first phase of the summer plan that will go into force from 9 June and will allow the indoor areas of the hospitality industry and several other businesses, such as gyms and cinemas, to reopen. Additionally, tomorrow we will also be informed about the modalities for the ‘Digital Covid Certificate’ for tree travel within the EU during the pandemic. In summary, all’s well and on top of that Roa started working on a new mural downtown Ghent. The world-famous street artist is primarily known for his strong obsession for animals and rodents – Oude Houtlei, Ghent, Belgium
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Strobist: AB1600 with gridded 60X30 softbox camera rightt. AB800 with gridded 7 inch reflector camera right. Triggered by Cybersync
15 February 2021: The average number of new cases of coronavirus diagnosed has fallen for the eleventh consecutive day. In the week to 11 February on average 1882 people tested positive each day in Belgium. The figure is down 19% on the week. Still with less than 4% of its population vaccinated Belgium remains vulnerable to the virus. Belgium’s vaccination taskforce has released figures yesterday showing the number of people who can look forward to getting a jab with the corona vaccine next week. Next week 64,000 people in Belgium will receive their first jab.75.000 will receive their second shot. Most second doses are being administered in care homes. Finally, some progress! Still Belgium, just like all EU countries, is doing worse than other countries. The former Belgian premier Guy Verhofstadt, who currently serves in the European Parliament and is a former leader of the liberal group, slams what he calls “Von der Leyen’s vaccine fiasco”. He goes on to compare this poor record to Europe’s amazing vaccine production capacity with over 75% of all vaccines worldwide currently being produced in Europe. “This contrasts with a crucial lack of supply in every member state. It’s a lack not seen in the same dramatic proportions in the US, Canada or the UK. In the US nearly 10% of the population has had a first shot. In Britain it’s 20%.” I don’t know if I fully agree with him, however, it’s hard to argue against the fact that the EU has not been excelling in agility and nimbleness. Yesterday was also the last day of the cold weather. A great opportunity to shoot some winter fun just outside Ghent – Zevergem, Belgium.
21 February 2021: The latest figures on the coronavirus pandemic in Belgium show that the fall in the number of people testing positive for the virus stopped. The number of hospitalisations continues to fall. However, the fall is only slight. In the week to 17 February on average 1942 people tested positive each day in Belgium. The figure is flat on the week. In the same period 119 patients with Covid were hospitalised and 37 fatalities a day were linked to Covid. The figures are down respectively 5% and 9% on the week. Despite the rather disappointing figures Saturday’s early taste of spring has meant that thousands of people have headed for the coast for a breath of sea air and a stroll along the prom. In normal times the local authorities and traders in our coastal resorts would be delighted with the influx of day-trippers. However, these are not normal times and too many people in one place can pose risks to public health as we have been made all too aware since the coronavirus pandemic took hold in Belgium almost a year ago. On display today is somebody who decided not to head for the coast but to enjoy the beautiful weather downtown Ghent - The small beguinage O.L.V. Ter Hooyen, Ghent, Belgium.
19 February 2021: In the week to 15 February on average 1813 people tested positive each day in Belgium. The figure is down 12% on the week. In the same period 120 patients with Covid were hospitalised and 39 fatalities a day were linked to Covid. The figures are down respectively 2% and 8% on the week. Even though Belgium’s coronavirus infection and hospitalisation figures are continuing their downward trend, they are not good enough to start relaxing the measures that were put in place to curb the spread of the virus yet. 240 coronavirus infections per day per 100,000 inhabitants is still way too high. Compared to other European countries we’re ranking somewhere in the middle. We are doing better than France (400) and the Netherlands (290) but worse than Germany (140). Belgian virologists, therefore, reiterated that the thresholds of 800 infections and 75 hospitalisations per day should be reached first before any relaxation could be considered. One virologist said “If we begin to relax some coronavirus measures before Easter, we would be shooting ourselves in the foot. Going too fast is not an option”. Today, I’m posting the last pictures of last week’s cold snap – Zevergem, Belgium.
22 September 2020: The Belgian average of people testing positive for Covid-19 rises to almost 1,200 during the past week. In the Netherlands the situation is even worse. For the first time since the start of the coronavirus crisis, our neighbors recorded over 2,200 new infections in a single day. Against the background of this worrying development I decided to stay put at home and blow bubbles in the garden…:-) Ghent, Belgium
18 May 2021: The corona figures show further falls in the number of new infections and hospitalisations. During the week from 8 to 14 May an average of 2,152 people in Belgium tested positive for coronavirus each day. This is down 27% on the average for the previous week. The total number of COVID-19 patients that are being cared for in Belgian hospitals has fallen to 1,803, a fall of 17% on a week ago. Of those hospitalised 616 are on intensive care wards. Meanwhile, the practical consequences of the theoretical rules announced by the government last week are slowly coming to the surface. One topic that led to a lot of controversary is that everything that is organized with more than 10 should be arranged by a professional organisation. Hence, people who want to throw a party with more than ten guests in their garden can do so from 9 June, but only if it is organised by a professional caterer. The so-called ‘kingdom of freedom’ is a bit closer for those who have a large garden and can afford a caterer. For the rest, tough luck. I’m wondering if one will be able to maintain these rules. Today’s post is at the occasion of yesterday’s international day against homophobia – SMAK, Ghent, Belgium.
30 May 2021: For the first time in ages the average number of people being hospitalised with Covid each day has fallen under 100. 1,291 patients are currently in hospital with Covid of which 469 are in intensive care. Between 20 and 26 May, 1,871 new cases were reported each day. The figure is down with 15% on the week. The positivity number stands at 5.1% and the reproduction rate is 0.82. Meanwhile, life is slowly returning to normal downtown Ghent, and everybody is anxiously awaiting the legislation paving the way for relaxations of the corona restrictions that will be announced on 9 June. Here are some of the tantalizing details of the draft. From 9 June indoor hospitality will reopen, pavement cafes will serve customers till 11:30PM and you will be allowed to host up to 4 people in your home at one time and up to 50 people in the garden. Also, the 1.5m social distancing rule and masks will no longer be required by law. Moreover, hugging, cuddling and even kissing is no longer off the menu. The future is so bright you gotta wear shades… – Sleepstraat, Ghent, Belgium
16 April 2021: On average during the last seven-day observation period, the week to 12 April, 3,884 new cases of coronavirus were confirmed each day. The figure is up 7% on the week. There are slightly fewer hospitalisations but there is no drop in critical care patients. Currently there are 3,049 patients in hospital with Covid of which 941 are in intensive care. In light of these most recent data healthcare professionals are voicing major concerns with regard to the raft of relaxations that the Belgian government put on the tracks yesterday. They are very worried that they will trigger an increase in Covid patients and the knock-on effect on regular care. The good news is that the EU will receive an extra 50 million doses this month of the coronavirus vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech. This will undoubtfully lift our country’s efforts to speed up inoculations in the face of difficulties with vaccines developed by AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson. Clearly, this is no time for a foreign trip yet and we’ll need to enjoy our vacation at our local sea resorts – Nieuwpoort, Belgium
Silberhalogenid-Gelatine-Negativfilm Fomapan 100 21° DIN;
Zeiss Flektogon 4/25 an Vollformatkamera Exakta Varex IIb (Bj.ca.1965);
Digitalisiert mit NIKON D90 Nikkor 1,8/50 und Pentacon Diakopiervorsatz.
Umkehrentwicklung und Gradationsanhebung mit Lightroom
Objektiv Zeiss Flektogon 4/25 an SONY A5000
Bildflächennutzung ggü. Kleinbild: 43%
Bildflächennutzung ggü. Bildkreis << 25% (Makro)
8 March 2021: The average number of people being hospitalised with Covid is now increasing at a slower pace than in recent days. The number of new cases of coronavirus detected remains more or less stable. On average in the week to 6 March 147 patients with Covid were hospitalised each day. The figure is up 2% on the week. In the week to 4 March on average 2343 people tested positive each day. This figure is down 3% on the week. Whilst the figures are still very high the support for the curfew is faltering and other measures that were put in place to curb the spread of the virus, including the rationale for the slow rollout of the deconfinement strategy are challenged by more and more people. In addition, the increased gap between the number of vaccines delivered to our country and the actual vaccinations fuels a general dissatisfaction for the way our country is dealing with the crisis. Net-net, corona fatigue has never been as high, and most people are dreaming of a long vacation on a sun-drenched beach. I shot today’s picture in Saint Martin, an island in the northeast Caribbean Sea back in August 2008 – Saint Martin, Caribbean Islands.
Silberhalogenid-Gelatine-Negativfilm Fomapan 100 21° DIN;
Zeiss Flektogon 4/25 an Vollformatkamera Exakta Varex IIb (Bj.ca.1965);
Digitalisiert mit NIKON D90 Nikkor 1,8/50 und Pentacon Diakopiervorsatz.
Umkehrentwicklung und Gradationsanhebung mit Lightroom
Silberhalogenid-Gelatine-Negativfilm Fomapan 100 21° DIN;
Zeiss Flektogon 4/25 an Vollformatkamera Exakta Varex IIb (Bj.ca.1965);
Digitalisiert mit NIKON D90 Nikkor 1,8/50 und Pentacon Diakopiervorsatz.
Umkehrentwicklung und Gradationsanhebung mit Lightroom
16 October 2020: Update on The Corona Pandemic – Figures show that during the last seven-day observation period starting 5 October on average 5,421 people tested positive each day and that on average 170 patients a day were hospitalised. While our coronavirus infections figures continue to soar, calls have been rising to follow the neighbouring countries’ example and introduce “partial lockdowns” or curfews. As consequence we’re all anxiously looking forward to the outcome of today’s meeting of the consultative committee. In advance of the meeting Frank Vandenbroucke, Belgium’s new Minister of Health, announced yesterday that whatever the meeting will decide a number of guiding principles will be respected. Those include keeping schools open, ensuring that businesses can continue their activity, ensuring that health care does not overturn, allowing people suffering from cancer to be treated and a person who has to undergo a serious operation to be admitted to hospitals. Awaiting the result, I’ll work through my agenda of videoconferences and hope for a decision that strikes the right balance between the economy and the need to ensure the safety of all of us. On display today is the clock tower of the old post office downtown Ghent – Korenmarkt, Ghent, Belgium
19 February 2021: In the week to 15 February on average 1813 people tested positive each day in Belgium. The figure is down 12% on the week. In the same period 120 patients with Covid were hospitalised and 39 fatalities a day were linked to Covid. The figures are down respectively 2% and 8% on the week. Even though Belgium’s coronavirus infection and hospitalisation figures are continuing their downward trend, they are not good enough to start relaxing the measures that were put in place to curb the spread of the virus yet. 240 coronavirus infections per day per 100,000 inhabitants is still way too high. Compared to other European countries we’re ranking somewhere in the middle. We are doing better than France (400) and the Netherlands (290) but worse than Germany (140). Belgian virologists, therefore, reiterated that the thresholds of 800 infections and 75 hospitalisations per day should be reached first before any relaxation could be considered. One virologist said “If we begin to relax some coronavirus measures before Easter, we would be shooting ourselves in the foot. Going too fast is not an option”. Today, I’m posting the last pictures of last week’s cold snap – Zevergem, Belgium.