COVID-19 in Brussels: switching fast between field and policy.
How the Brussels health authority coordinated tracing in vulnerable sectors, and prepared for every new wave.
Brussels
The challenge
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Brussels Region had to contain outbreaks that were spreading as clusters. The federal contact centre called individuals. I was responsible for tracing at sector level: all outbreaks linked to an organisation, such as schools, residential care centres and sports clubs.
Clusters emerged quickly and the measures changed constantly. Policy and the field had to stay continuously aligned, and decisions could not wait.
A large part of the work revolved around homeless people. Coordination and follow-up were often done together with the Red Cross and other volunteer organisations. Because homeless people often also faced underlying problems, it was always a balancing act to determine the best possible actions, and to weigh up what would help most in the short term.
My approach
I coordinated tracing across all sectors and followed up on cluster outbreaks. I ensured continuous interaction between policymakers and the people in the field, so that measures, support and planning could quickly adapt to the needs of the moment.
We prepared for each new wave and examined the impact of the previous one.
The result
As part of a wider team, I contributed to a forward-looking vision and a blueprint for organising tracing in future COVID waves and possible future epidemics.
Need to move fast, under pressure?
I bring structure and calm, even when circumstances change every day.