Belgium proceeds with weekend events despite heatwave warnings from medical experts

Despite warnings from medical experts, the Belgian government will not cancel major events scheduled for this weekend. Gerlant Van Berlaer, a health expert on the Risk Management Group advising the federal government on the heatwave, stated that large gatherings should be called off.

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On this moment, and with these extreme temperatures, it is not smart to go crazy this weekend.

Van Berlaer explained that the extreme heat, coupled with unseasonably warm nights, can lead to dangerous conditions. He highlighted that dancing, alcohol, and drugs, especially when combined with poor sleep due to the heat, create a "deadly cocktail" that could result in emergency room visits or long-term organ damage.

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Extreme heat, the fact that it does not cool down at night, poor sleep, too much physical activity such as dancing and possibly also too much alcohol or drugs, that is a deadly cocktail.

However, the government opted not to follow the medical advice, acknowledging that political considerations, such as public morale and the scale of measures, must also be weighed. Van Berlaer expressed understanding of this decision, stating that his group provides advice while politicians make the final calls.

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We would naturally like everyone to party. But purely medically speaking, it is really not a good idea at this moment.

While festivals like Werchter Boutique, Couleur Café, and Paradise City are set to continue, authorities are urging attendees to exercise caution. They recommend staying hydrated with water and electrolyte drinks, seeking shade, resting, and looking out for one another.

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We give advice and politics decides what they do with it. I am a democrat. I find that normal.