Belgian hospitals overwhelmed by surge of COVID-19 cases
Hospital in Charleroi, Belgium, Reels Under Second COVID-19 Wave
The intensive care unit at the hospital in Charleroi, Belgium, is once again functioning at the same frantic pace as during the initial spring wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. The facility is currently juggling an influx of patients admitted due to complications subsequent to coronavirus infection.
Doctors and nurses at the hospital are expressing concerns over the overwhelming patient numbers. "Seeing the despair and disappointment of families of those we can't admit is incredibly difficult," says nurse Josephine Casano. "It's psychologically exhausting. I can't sleep at night, and I'm not the only one who's lost sleep over this."
Belgium, home to 11.5 million people, is currently registering around 500 new severe cases daily that necessitate hospitalization. One patient shared, "This is a truly dangerous disease. I didn't take it seriously either, but now I know I'll be taking it very seriously."
The country is currently grappling with one of the world's most severe second waves. Healthcare professionals are working under immense pressure and are compelled to make difficult choices. "I'm scared," says Josephine Casano. "The hospital is full, and we have to choose between patients because we realize we can't save everyone. Who do we save then? The 30-year-old or the 60-year-old? I don't know. And how to live with that afterwards - I don't know either."
As of now, Belgium has recorded over 270,000 confirmed cases and more than 10,000 COVID-19 deaths since the pandemic's inception.
Dr. Mark Vranckx, who heads the emergency service and coordinates actions in crisis situations, emphasized the gravity of the situation. "Society must make a choice: will we continue to acknowledge that people are dying and we can't treat them - or take unpopular measures. I don't see another option at the moment."
Despite experts advocating for a renewed lockdown, authorities have only tightened existing restrictions. Belgium's Prime Minister has encouraged citizens to show responsibility and adhere to all quarantine measures.
Currently, Belgium does not have any specific COVID-19 restrictions in place for Charleroi or the country as a whole, beyond Schengen Area rules and general travel advisories for strikes. Always check official government or public health websites for the most up-to-date local information.
In the midst of Belgium's severe second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the intensive care unit at Charleroi's hospital is managing an influx of patients dealing with medical-conditions related to coronavirus. The health-and-wellness professionals are working tirelessly under immense pressure, making difficult decisions while expressing concerns over the overwhelming patient numbers.
