The Covid-19 virus is circulating in France in a “weak” way but “we must remain vigilant” in the face of possible developments in the epidemic, said Friday the Minister of Health, Aurélien Rousseau, in a statement sent to AFP . “Covid circulation is certainly low in France, but we must remain vigilant, because the situation is changing rapidly,” he said, adding that “we will have to live with the resurgence of this virus for several more seasons. “.
Low impact on hospitalizations
Affirming that “all the teams of the ministry are on deck”, the Minister of Health and Prevention indicated that he would take stock in the afternoon with the regional health agencies (ARS). Until then, the epidemic rebound has “a small impact on hospitalizations and pre-hospitalizations”, noted the General Directorate of Health (DGS) during a press briefing, referring to the increases in emergency room visits and acts of SOS Doctors on “small numbers”.
“The incidence remains at low levels”: “it went from 6.2 to 7.7 per 100,000”, we insisted from the same source, while noting that “this rate should be interpreted with caution and not to be compared with those of previous years” following changes to the monitoring system.
New Aquitaine more concerned in mainland France
In mainland France, “the increase is limited, located in particular in the South-West and driven mainly by New Aquitaine”, noted the DGS, noting that “most cases are in very busy holiday regions”. “The health authorities have not lowered their guard, they are vigilant” but “the surveillance methods have been adapted to take into account the evolution of the situation: the Covid is now one of the viral acute respiratory infections alongside the flu and RSV” (causing bronchiolitis), pleaded the DGS.
The Minister of Health also insisted on barrier gestures, which “must remain reflexes to protect themselves and protect others. It’s true this summer and it will be true this fall”. “When you have symptoms, the mask reflex must prevail,” he insisted. He stressed that “this fall we will also be able to count on the vaccination corresponding to the virus as it has been identified. And we will have to protect fragile people as a priority.” The vaccination campaign, scheduled “from mid-October”, will couple Covid and flu, said the Directorate General of Health.