To contain an epidemic, there are two things to do, according to Eric d’Ortenzio, epidemiologist at Inserm: “Isolate the patients quickly to prevent them from transmitting the virus and identify the people around them and observe if they develop the disease”
.
The state has activated the shutter “Known or emerging epidemic and biological risk”
of the organization of the health system in exceptional health situations (Orsan-Reb plan). There are currently 108 hospitals in France, including at least one in each department, capable of receiving patients infected with the coronavirus. Last night there was “No circulation of the virus on the territory”
, announced the Minister of Health Olivier Véran.
Yesterday, France increased from 400 to 1,000 the possible number of diagnostic tests performed per day and ordered several million FFP2 masks, which filter dust and pathogens, for healthcare personnel. She has stocks “Massive”
anti-projection surgical masks.
Cautionary notes for travelers
It is recommended that those wishing to travel to areas at risk of exposure (China, Singapore, South Korea and the two Italian regions Lombardy and Veneto) cancel their trip. People who return from it recommend that they monitor their temperature twice a day, the appearance of symptoms like coughing or difficulty breathing, wear a surgical mask in the presence of other people or for any outing and wash their hands. regularly. “This information is given on planes and flyers are distributed at international airports”
, explains the Ministry of Health.
Mondeville mayor suspends campaign
Another of these recommendations is to avoid unnecessary trips, such as large gatherings. A problem during the municipal period: Hélène Burgat, outgoing mayor of Mondeville (Calvados), who has returned for less than a week’s vacation near Venice, yesterday decided to ” to suspend [sa] participation in the current electoral campaign for the coming days “
.
Like the Norman mayor, thousands of French people returning from Italy are wondering what to do. Yesterday, a bus passing through Milan was stopped at the Gare de Lyon and its passengers confined a few hours after an alert on the driver’s state of health – an alert which turned out to be false.
“Expect other cases”
For Eric d’Ortenzio, “You have to expect other cases. If the epidemic sets in, it will be necessary to put in place barrier measures, such as those seen in Italy (see below). “
For the moment, no measures to close the borders are envisaged. “A virus does not stop at borders
, assures Olivier Véran. If the virus sets in, we will have to take other measures “
. The health system will however be reinforced in the Alpes-Maritimes, a border department with Italy. The Nice University Hospital will be able to carry out diagnostics and will have an infectious disease specialist in contact with the Samu 24 hours a day to be able to better identify suspected cases.
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