Last Wednesday, Emmanuel Macron announced the strengthening of Covid-19 braking measures throughout France, explaining that this did not concern overseas “where the virus circulates less“But the latest figures raise fears of a strong progression of the virus in several territories.
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It was Wednesday March 31. Emmanuel Macron announced that the whole of France was under increased vigilance in the face of the very strong progression of Covid-19. The Head of State then explained that these enhanced vigilance measures did not concern overseas: “This choice does not concern the overseas territories where the virus circulates less and which have made very great efforts to slow down the epidemic.“.
If this decision may suggest that the overseas territories are now safe from the virus, the reality is very different, as shown by the latest figures and the latest decisions taken locally by the prefects. The situation is worrying in Reunion, Martinique, Guyana.
Meeting: the prefect sounds the alarm
A The meeting, the prefect intervened on Friday April 2 to announce a tightening of the measures. Despite the curfew in force for a month, the coronavirus and its South African variant have never circulated as much in Reunion. The occupancy rate of intensive care beds flirts with 90%, despite the 122 beds installed. “Si the epidemic situation does not improve within two weeks“, the prefect will resort to confinement.
Concretely, the prefect announced the closure of bars and restaurants, cinemas, shows, sports, shopping centers of more than 10,000 m2. He confirmed the extension of the curfew from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., for at least two more weeks. Compelling reasons are also maintained at least until April 30 for people wishing to travel.
Another decision: strengthening measures in schools. From Thursday April 8, “three high schools will change their organization to reduce the number of face-to-face students“. From next week, the principals of the 48 high schools in Reunion Island must all prepare to implement the protocol planned to reduce the number of high school students accommodated at the same time in the establishment.
Guyana: return of curfew at 7 p.m.
In Guyana, the prefecture announced on Friday April 2 the return of the curfew at 7 p.m. (instead of 11 p.m.) in Cayenne, Kourou, Macouria, Matoury and Rémire-Montjoly. “For two weeks, epidemiological indicators have deteriorated in Guyana. Circulation of the virus has intensified with a regional incidence rate of 58 per 100,000“, warn the authorities. The Brazilian and English variants, more virulent, represent 70% of the positive cases of the cases detected in Guyana in recent days.
Martinique: curfew at 7 p.m.
“Covid-19 indicators are on the rise in Martinique. Alert thresholds have been exceeded“explained the prefect of the territory, Stanislas Cazelles on April 1. A curfew from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. was therefore put in place, and other decisions were taken: closure of cinemas and theaters, closure of restaurants, collective sporting activities suspended. And “camping and picnics are prohibited“for this Easter weekend. Despite the solemn appeals to respect the decisions taken, the authorities explain that the Martinicans respect” little “health measures. The director general of the University Hospital of Fort-de-France has suspended all leave for doctors, nurses, technical or administrative staff. “In the coming weeks, let’s not hide it, it will be difficult to cure everyone“, says Benjamin Garel.
Guadeloupe: slight decrease but concern in the hospital
If the number of new cases of Covid decreases slightly in Guadeloupe, the figures remain high and hospitals are facing real tension. Something to worry caregivers during this Easter weekend. The circulation of the English variant in Guadeloupe is increasingly strong: it now represents 90% of the samples screened.
Mayotte: “the situation remains worrying”
In Mayotte, the prefecture explains that “Despite the drop in epidemic indicators, the situation remains worrying “. The CHM’s intensive care unit now has 22 beds following the gradual departure of the military health service. “It is close to saturation“, estimate the authorities. The incidence rate is 61 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, but restrictions are still in force in the department: curfew at 10:30 p.m., wearing a mask compulsory in urban public space, more gatherings. six people banned, wedding parties, the wanted and the diffusion of amplified music still prohibited, the sports halls remain closed and the government maintains the compelling reasons for travel between Mayotte, Reunion and the metropolis.
In other territories, the situation is improving
The New Caledonia began its gradual deconfinement on Friday April 2. The freedom to come and go is totally restored. Some measures persist, however, such as the wearing of a compulsory mask. In Polynesia, the situation has clearly improved, the bars and restaurants have been able to reopen, as this report shows in Tahiti de Polynesia the 1st:
A Wallis and Futuna, vaccination is progressing at high speed: more than 44% of the population is now vaccinated and the number of cases is decreasing sharply. Same observation at Saint-Pierre and Miquelon : 52.6% of the population eligible for vaccination in the archipelago had received a first injection on Friday April 2.
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