Epidemic situation in France “very worrying” despite a glimmer of hope: health officer



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PARIS, 9 Nov. (Xinhua) – French director general of health Jerome Salomon warned on Monday that the most aggressive phase of the second wave of the epidemic “is still ahead of us”, even if a slowdown in the circulation of the virus in the cities, where a curfew was imposed, they offered “signs of hope”.

“The peak of the epidemic is ahead of us. The second wave is still ongoing, we continue our efforts and hold back even more,” Salomon said. “We are in a crucial moment”.

“Maximum vigilance must be maintained by respecting barrier gestures, reducing contact and protecting the elderly,” he told reporters at a press conference on the epidemic situation.

The government introduced a new nationwide isolation from 30 October until the beginning of December, blocking 67 million inhabitants, who can now only go out to work, buy basic necessities or for a health emergency. All non-essential activities such as restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas and gyms are closed.

In mid-October, a ban on nocturnal movement in the greater Paris region and eight major cities was ordered from 21:00 to 6:00.

“Wherever measures have been taken to curb the epidemic, there has been a slowdown. Cities that have imposed a curfew are starting to see a slower spread of the epidemic. It is encouraging and encourages us to collectively continue our efforts.” Salomon said.

He said it takes “10 days” to assess the impact of the restrictive measures, adding that the number of new cases and hospital admissions “will continue to increase several days after the restrictions.”

As of Monday, COVID-19-related deaths stood at 40,987, representing an increase of 551 in one day, while the cumulative number of infections stood at 1,807,479.

Salomon added that 31,125 patients were hospitalized, including 4,690 in intensive care units. A total of 83 patients have been evacuated to less fatigued hospitals and another 200 will be transferred in the next two weeks. Enditem

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