Interview with Muriel Alvarez, Infectious Disease specialist at Toulouse University Hospital.
How has the epidemic evolved this week?
We have figures rather on the rise with a test positivity rate which is 3% against 1% a month ago. The incidence rate is also on the rise with 90 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in the 20-30 age group in the department, and 64 cases per 100,000 inhabitants (According to our sources, this rate has risen to 77 according to a new assessment Friday night, after this interview, Editor’s note), all ages, in Toulouse. These two figures exceed the alert threshold which is set at 50. In terms of hospitalizations at the Toulouse University Hospital, we have to date 20 hospitalized patients including one in intensive care. It is increasing but it remains moderate.
What is the profile of hospitalized patients?
These are always patients who are over 50 years of age and have comorbidities. This is explained by the fact that there are no serious cases in young people, who are most affected. It doesn’t mean it can’t happen but it’s very rare. At the departmental level, the incidence rate of 60-70 year olds, more likely to develop a severe form, is 22 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, exceeding the vigilance threshold which is located at 10, but well below the threshold of ‘alert.
Is this increase in cases worrying?
The right reaction is not worry but adaptation. We are not at all in the same configuration as in February where the evolution curves of the cases were exponential and let us predict the future. Today the curve has been broken by confinement and barrier measures are increasingly respected. This should limit the number of cases even if the virus is circulating and there are more and more positive cases.
What do you think of the obligation to wear a mask?
Personally, I find that the measures taken in the city are perfectly suited to the situation, in particular the wearing of a mask. It is certain that when you are alone in the street, you tell yourself that it is useless but that avoids removing it and putting it back, without forgetting that with the return to school there will be more people. Do not forget the other two “M”: hand washing and the distance meter.
Is the mask really ineffective after 4 hours?
Caregivers must meet this standard, but on the street it’s different. You can wear the same paper or fabric mask several times, but you should wash the fabric mask well and throw the paper mask in a trash can.
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