Peak of the fifth wave, restrictions, contaminations … the Minister of Health takes stock before the holidays

The Christmas holidays are in two weeks and, while the number of contaminations linked to Covid-19 is still very high in France, the Minister of Health was keen to reassure Saturday, December 11 in an interview with the Parisian. Because, even if “the epidemic wave is violent”, according to him, with a peak of contaminations to 70,000 cases last week, “there is a slowdown” of this wave, notes the Minister of Health. Olivier Véran is particularly pleased with the measures taken by the French, such as reduced contact and the use of the booster dose.

On this point, he unveils reassuring figures, such as the fact that 90% of people over 65 were administered the third dose while 850,000 people received it on Friday alone. “All these efforts make it possible to face this dazzling wave”, welcomes Olivier Véran in The Parisian. Nevertheless, caution remains in order because, if France were to face a “high plateau of contaminations”, then the question of new restrictions could arise. For the time being these “are not on the agenda”, insists the minister.

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Restrict your contacts before Christmas

On the other hand, Olivier Véran repeated it, vaccination is essential, and this is what makes that today the French are not confined: “If we had not been vaccinated, we would be confined for a very long time “, he warns. If containment is not on the agenda, it should not be ruled out in the event that a new dangerous variant emerges, for example. Another key element unveiled by Olivier Véran in The Parisian, the fact that the peak of the fifth wave could be reached: “Contamination increased by 60% over a week. It is now much less.” Over the past week, the number of cases has only increased by 5%. At the same time, there have been more screening tests.

Enough to go on a serene Christmas vacation? Here again, an additional effort is required of the French: “I recommend to restrict its contacts ten days before the big day, to do a self-test in case of doubt, to respect the barrier gestures …”, admits the Minister of Health. Olivier Véran finally reiterated his wish to see 20 million French people receive a booster dose by Christmas, “we must maintain this rhythm”, he recommends. Vaccination centers have been opened and pharmacists can vaccinate on Sundays. Regarding appointments, he assured that new time slots were offered every day. You just have to be patient.

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