Coronavirus: aviation sector has highest number of infections

In the Belgian aviation sector, 536 infections per 100,000 people have been observed in the past two weeks. This was reported on Monday by Lode Godderis, professor of occupational medicine at the Catholic research university KU Leuven. With that, the aviation sector has the highest number of infections of all sectors studied.

The data relate to the period from 31 May to 13 June. Using data from the Belgian health institute Sciensano, linked to social security data and contact tracing, different sectors could be compared. The figures were examined on the basis of fortnightly incidence, i.e. the number of infections per 100,000 people.

Infection rate

The average incidence in the general population during the measured period was 189, while the incidence in the working population was 239. This is the first time that the infection rate among workers has been higher than that of the general population.

In the previous report, which covered the period from 17 to 30 May, the incidence in the general population was 291 and in the working population 214. The number of infections is therefore rising faster among the working population than in general.

In the Belgian aviation sector, 536 infections per 100,000 people have been recorded in the last two weeks, making it the sector with the highest number of infections.

"With the holidays just around the corner and the increase in travel, it is no great surprise that there are many infections in the aviation sector," says Professor Godderis. "Caution is still advised. An FFP2 mouth mask is not an unnecessary luxury in confined spaces."

The figures indicate that in addition to the aviation sector, the virus is present in several other sectors. As always, healthcare and education are at the top of the list. Infections can also be found in the research and development sector, the chemical industry and the pharmaceutical and telecom sectors.

According to Professor Godderis, the number of infections is also an underestimate. "Not everyone gets tested when he or she feels sick, is also evident from the figures on absenteeism. These follow the trends of the corona waves: the number of employees absent up to 30 days remains high compared to last year."

(AHU)

© Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD / AFP