It is the first plan to end the coronavirus crisis on the table. It was designed by the Health Institute, a think tank of researchers and professionals, and transmitted last Friday to the Elysée Palace and Matignon, on which some 80 experts, economists, researchers, teachers, sociologists, psychologists, doctors, nurses… who propose several scenarios to get out of confinement. When? Who? How? ‘Or’ What? This plan, along with six recommendations, aims to quickly define a strategy to be ready on D-Day and beyond. It was given to Emmanuel Macron and Édouard Philippe, as well as to the Scientific Committee which advises the President of the Republic.
Among the signatories are Philippe Sansonetti, microbiologist, researcher at the Institut Pasteur and teacher at the Collège de France, the philosopher Catherine Audard, of the London School of Economics, Alain Deloche, co-founder of Médecins du monde or even Professor René Frydman, gynecologist and expert on ethical issues.
Containment ends May 4
The Health Institute recommends “short timing and visibility for everyone”, summarizes its founding president, the economist Frédéric Bizard. Several hypotheses have been put forward, but that of an exit from containment from Monday 4 May is preferred. To stop this date, the think tank studied the evolution of the pandemic and the results of strategies abroad. According to the latest estimates, the peak of the pandemic in France is almost reached. “We are starting to see it with the drop in the number of hospital admissions over the past four days,” notes the economist and health expert. And we have seen in China that it then takes two to three weeks for the number of infections to drop by two-thirds. In France, this course will be around May 4. But beware, he warns, “Those who, like Medef, are starting to say that it will be necessary to work harder after confinement is wrong! Life after will not be normal for anyone, at least until a vaccine is found. Resumption of activity can only be gradual and conditional. “
Generalized deconfinement… under conditions
At the beginning of May, estimates the Health Institute, France will have a sufficient arsenal so that the barrier gestures are respected (masks, gel, gowns …) and the patients detected and taken care of. But it is necessary to launch as soon as possible a “Marshall Plan of production and acquisition” of this arsenal, in particular masks, respirators, PCR tests (by nasopharyngeal sampling) … “The advantage of defining a release date as soon as possible is to put pressure to be ready,” insists Frédéric Bizard. The plan recommends ending confinement, as of May 4, for those who are not or no longer carrying the virus and to keep confined only people in quarantine or care. By refusing the principle of gradual exit by group of people at risk or by region …, this plan “will not create a feeling of injustice and rejection”, argues the economist.
A health brigade to authorize resumption of activity
In companies, it will be the responsibility of employers, in the context of social dialogue, to guarantee employees working health conditions that meet the prevailing prevention rules. “But whenever telework is possible, it will have to be continued,” insists the economist, who suggests the creation of a health brigade responsible for granting resumption of activity authorizations or settling any disputes. But all activities will not resume on May 4: “We are not going to reopen the discos tomorrow! “Frédéric Bizard slips again.
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Back to school in September
Because compliance with the rules of social distancing is impossible at school and until high school, the report recommends not to reopen establishments “until September”. Otherwise, explains Frédéric Bizard, “we would take the risk that 12 million students would bring the virus home. The limits of distance education are compared to the risk of reopening all schools. “
Massive and rapid screening
The Health Institute recommends mass screening of the population. “It’s possible, insists Frédéric Bizard, we already have two million tests.” Then three population groups would be created. The first will bring together people immunized with Covid-19, following a serological test. This first group, protected, will be the pillar of the plan, called in as soon as necessary, for example to organize childcare, follow patients at home … The second group will bring together people who are positive for the PCR test and therefore have to remain confined or hospitalized. Finally, in group C will appear all the others. At the slightest symptom, everyone will be tested and, if necessary, strictly confined, their last contacts will be sought and also tested, as in Korea.
General tests in Ehpad
With regard to establishments for the elderly, more than half of which are currently affected by the pandemic, the Health Institute recommends testing each resident and staff at the slightest suspicion of contamination. Any positive test would result in strict confinement.
Border controls
No border closure, experts recommend, but strict controls, with testing and quarantine at the slightest sign.
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