Scientists are calling for the return of barrier gestures for certain people.
The Covid-19 epidemic has experienced a resurgence in France in recent weeks, particularly due to the Flirt (or KP.2) variant, prompting certain epidemiologists to sound the alarm and call for the return of barrier gestures for certain people.
According to data from Public Health France (SPF), the Covid-19 epidemic is in an ascending phase as summer approaches. The latest SPF bulletin notes an increase in positivity rates and visits to emergency rooms.
Reduction in screenings
“Today, the levels are not alarming, but require increased vigilance, especially with the population movements planned for the Olympic Games.”explains Justine Schaeffer, epidemiologist at Public Health France, on BFMTV.
Justine Schaeffer advises French people with symptoms such as cough or breathing problems to protect themselves and others by wearing a mask. Since the end of barrier gestures, Covid-19 seems less worrying for the population. .
Vigilance required
In Île-de-France, visits to emergency rooms are increasing, especially among those under 45. Many French people consider it pointless to get tested, as indicated by a laboratory in the IXe district of Paris. From 1,000 daily tests at the height of the pandemic, it now only carries out ten to fifteen per day. “Test requests are 80-85% positive. These are targeted people who really think they have Covid,” explains Patrick Cassuto, director of the laboratory.
The current figures from Public Health France remain lower than those of previous waves, and the number of hospitalizations is stable. Professionals want to be reassuring, indicating that the current symptoms are more like a bad cold. However, fragile or asymptomatic people may be at risk.
Infectious disease specialist Anne-Claude Crémieux recently recommended that these groups wear a mask, particularly on public transport.
