Recommendations encouraging respect for barrier gestures, event cancellations, massive screening campaign … Guadeloupeans must take action, individually and collectively, to curb the spread of the Covid, which has gained ground in the territory, in a few days
An alarming upsurge in cases
The latest updates on the spread of the coronavirus, produced by the prefecture and the Regional Health Agency of Guadeloupe (ARS) had the effect of a hammer blow: 62 new cases diagnosed in the archipelago, between July 25 and 31, 2020, but also 4 new patients in Saint-Martin and 3 others in Saint-Barthélemy, over the same period.
The fact is that at the height of the crisis, the number of patients listed rarely exceeded ten.
Other indicators are also causing concern, in particular the fact that the Riposte Covid platform of the ARS has identified 380 people who have been in contact with carriers of the virus. These are all people susceptible to contracting the disease.
In this context of an increase in the incidence rate of the pandemic, the health authorities note an extreme relaxation, as regards the respect of barrier gestures, since the deconfinement.
Fight against Covid-19: everyone’s business!
The fight against the spread of the virus requires good citizenship and the right actions. State services would like to remind you.
A recommendation heard by several event organizers, who preferred to cancel scheduled appointments.
A good thing, insofar as the festive events were singled out this week, when the cluster was discovered, here.
It remains to make individuals listen to reason, even within their family and private circles, because the right reflexes also go towards those close to them… which we often neglect. Relatives and friends can also be vectors of Covid-19 and are potential victims. Family or friendly proximity does not guarantee immunity.
There are eight tips, in this sense, for applying barrier gestures.
During a convivial meal, first of all:
– Hands must be washed before any activity
– Avoid sharing meals or snacking on the neighbor’s plate
– You must also remember to ventilate the home regularly.
During a visit to the grandparents:
– Stay away as much as possible and wear a mask
– No more hugs or warm kisses.
During an outing with friends, at the beach in particular:
– Keep towels away
– Everyone has their own sandwich.
Finally, in the evening, everyone has their own drink.
Obviously, of course, but often neglected by the population.
#Coronavirus #COVID19
???? The virus #COVID19 still circulating.
With family or friends, it is essential to remain vigilant and adopt the right reflexes⤵️#BonEteBonsReflexes # BonnesVacancesGoodReflexes pic.twitter.com/MbZKkxhzhf– Prefect of Guadeloupe (@ Prefet971) August 1, 2020
The screening reflex
Another battle horse of the authorities: to encourage screening.
Last Monday, the director of the ARS, Valérie Denux, called on all those who participated in parties, where the barrier measures were not respected, to be tested.
Concretely, this call is prior to a massive screening campaign.
#Covid19 ????During the last 2 weeks, the #Guadeloupe recorded 72 new cases
✅In view of the identification of the cluster, massive screening is organized. Objective: detect a greater number of cases & apply isolation measures
????https://t.co/oUMsL53Xck pic.twitter.com/NPh47AHsjS– Prefect of Guadeloupe (@ Prefet971) August 1, 2020
Can the laboratories of Guadeloupe assume a massive screening?
In Guadeloupe, three structures alone represent more than 90% of Covid activity.
The Pasteur Institute, which has an automatic machine and two others, SynergieBio and BioPôle, grouped together for an optimal technical platform.
Increasing the pace, for a massive screening campaign, will require adjustments.
If the equipment to ensure a large campaign exists, the administrative logistics must be adapted.
If the Covid activity increases, the daily life continues. It is up to the health authorities to take into account the limitations of the laboratory community, in developing their battle plan.
Doctor Nicolas Huc, manager of the Synergiebio laboratory group and representative of the union of private biologists of Guadeloupe, answers, on this subject, to Julien Babel:
