On the 6th day of confinement, the prefect of La Réunion and the director of the Regional Health Agency take stock of the situation, this Sunday, March 22. They detail the measures put in place to combat the spread of the virus. Reinforced measures.
With the increase in confirmed cases of coronavirus and the appearance of indigenous cases, the authorities are strengthening the system to combat the spread of the virus. This Sunday, March 22, the prefect of Reunion, Jacques Billant, and the director of the Regional Health Agency take stock of the situation.
It is in the form of an address, and no longer a press conference, that they detail the reinforced measures which now apply to Reunion.
Find the speech below:
65 confirmed cases, including 2 in intensive care, and 700 identified contact subjects
A large-scale epidemic. 65 people are affected by the coronavirus. Most have previously stayed in mainland France, others are so-called contact persons and certain situations are still under investigation.
Two people are hospitalized in intensive care, but no deaths are to be reported. 44 people with coronavirus are in stable condition and one person is now cured.
More than 700 people are currently identified as contact subjects for these infected people. They are therefore confined to their homes with individual instructions for protection, self-monitoring and calls to the Samu in the event of symptoms, says Martine Ladoucette, director of the Regional Health Agency.
“Containment is the best weapon”
” Our territory is at war, a war is never won alone, it is won by the sacred union of all energies “, it is with these words that the prefect of La Réunion introduced his remarks during the speech he gave this Sunday, March 22 at 6 p.m.
It has implemented a Reunionese strategy that responds to the specificities of the territory, but which also uses its strengths. Work carried out with elected officials and the medical community.
Strengthen containment measures
“Containment is indeed the best weapon to prevent the spread of the disease. Let us not forget that it is not the virus that circulates, but the women and men who circulate it by their movements and their contacts. Limit our trips to the bare minimum is to significantly reduce the risk of virus transmission, “insisted the prefect of Reunion.
Too many irresponsible behaviors have been observed, he says. Controls are therefore strengthened. Other measures have also been taken:
- Multiply prevention initiatives on barrier gestures
- Ban all coastlines, swimming spots and other tourist spots
- Close the communities’ natural spaces
- Close non-essential hiking trails linked to circuses
- Guarantee the fairground markets essential to the food of Reunionese while ensuring a large stand spacing
No more airport checks
“Many do not understand my decision not to close the airport. I have used all my authority to restrict air traffic to the bare minimum, and I will not leave at the door of Reunion Island. would not be human “, justifies Jacques Billant.
The prefect of Reunion announces the strengthening of prevention measures and means of restraint, such as the placement in fortnight of passengers returning to Reunion. As of tomorrow, Monday March 23, upon arrival, each passenger will undergo an individual interview with a nurse. The strict fortnight is compulsory, and it does not allow you to work.
Accommodation solutions may be offered to Reunion Islanders returning from mainland France so that they can confine themselves when this is not possible within their homes. Racing brigades to supply these containment sites and those confining themselves at home will be set up.
In the event of symptoms, screening will be carried out at the airport in order to detect sick people without delay and take charge of them.
For Reunion Islanders who have already returned from mainland France, monitoring by the State to ensure strict compliance with confinement and health support will be put in place.
Flights to and from the metropolis will be prohibited from this Monday at midnight unless otherwise agreed.
Answers to the lack of gel and masks
Local industrialists propose to manufacture hydro-alcoholic gel. The cabinets and medico-social establishments will be fitted with plexiglass to protect the secretariats.
During the week, the ARS should receive the second batch of supplies from the national, announces Martine Ladoucette. In the past 2 weeks, 112,000 masks have been distributed to general practitioners in the city, but all the other health professionals could not be satisfied. In the coming days, nearly 200,000 masks will be distributed, she says.
As of tomorrow, Monday March 23, the regional stock will be mobilized. It will provide all the front-line city professionals, faced with the risk of being exposed: nurses, pharmacists, general practitioners who were not sufficiently supplied the first time, pediatricians, ophthalmologists, gynecologists-obstetricians or dental surgeons.
The CHU will also be supplied tomorrow, adds the director of ARS, and all health facilities will be gradually replenished as and when needed.
“We are also preparing the supply of masks for specialized establishments for the elderly, nursing homes, and establishments for the disabled,” said Martine Ladoucette.
The government has eased the rules for requisitioning masks, thereby allowing trade orders to be resumed by imports. The President of the Region has decided to abolish the dock dues on deliveries of medical equipment related to the coronavirus crisis, namely masks, over-coats, protective glasses, shoe protectors and even caps.
“As of tomorrow, we will come to an agreement with clinical doctors and public and private laboratories to develop our diagnostic means,” announces Martine Ladoucette. These include allowing general practitioners to access screening in private laboratories.
2 telephone hotlines for carers and the sick
Starting next week, two hotlines, aimed at healthcare professionals and those affected and their families, will be opened with the help of associations and mental health professionals.
Reinventing our solidarity
Measures are also put in place so that confinement does not mean isolation, said the prefect of Reunion. Solidarity measures:
- The Department will support the CCAS via its Territorial Solidarity Pact (social aspect)
- Part of the agricultural production will be redirected to the CCAS and charities
- The Department and the Region undertake to multiply support and funding initiatives for mutual aid and solidarity associations (food parcels, emergency aid, rolling stock)
- Organize reception places for the homeless
- Systematize the switch to food parcel deliveries to limit their presence in the CCAS
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