The number of Covid-19 contaminations is exploding in France, especially since the arrival of the Omicron variant. Epidemiologist William Dab spoke of his concern in the columns of the Journal du dimanche.
For two years now, the world has been living to the rhythm of the coronavirus pandemic. France is currently facing a worrying fifth epidemiological wave. With the arrival of the Omicron variant, the number of daily positive Covid-19 cases is exploding. This Saturday, December 25, France recorded a sad record. Public Health France reports 104,611 contaminations on Christmas Day, a symbolic threshold never before reached. These figures worry, in particular the epidemiologist William Dab. In an interview with Sunday newspaper, published this December 26, he wished to alert on the situation to come. “Yes, France can be blocked“, he confirmed.
The epidemiologist then detailed his remarks. “We are no longer able to stop the virus. We can just spread the peak by reducing the isolation time of positive cases and contact cases“, he said, before continuing:”So release the control of viral circulation to prevent the country from collapsing“For William Dab, there is a real risk that the French economic situation is approaching disaster.”This wave of absenteeism threatens many essential sectors, despite the business continuity plans of large companies“, he added. The doctor even mentions a possible lack of food supply. Nevertheless, he reassured half-word:”It is avoidable, because we can mobilize the civil security or the army if necessary …“Before concluding in a somewhat resigned manner:”But we could face tense situations. “
Towards a new curfew?
Although he assures that “the French effort is remarkable“, William Dab believes that drastic measures must be put in place, even before the new year.”The modeling work of Vittoria Colizza at Inserm has shown the effectiveness of the curfew. It is one of the tools to put in place immediately, before New Years Eve“, he explained, before referring to even more restrictive measures:”We must also increase teleworking, set up gauges for gatherings, close closed places where a mask is not worn, such as restaurants and cafes, sources of clusters with such a variant. “If he recognizes that”these decisions are difficult to make“, he is categorical:”The debate between restriction of freedoms and protection of health does not take place, not even in Parliament.“Will the government take such measures? Emmanuel Macron will hold, this Monday, December 27, a health defense council and some restrictions should be on the agenda.
Article written with the collaboration of 6Medias
Photo credits: Youtube screenshot