France is still under threat from variants of the coronavirus, which could once again lose control of the Covid epidemic and force containment, while the winter holidays have started in a gloomy climate. The number of daily contaminations remains in effect for the time being on a high plateau, fluctuating between 20,000 and 26,000 since January. It was Sunday of 19,715 confirmed cases in 24 hours, with a positivity rate in very slight decline, to 6.5%.
Faced with this threat of Covid-19 variants, France is strengthening its health procedure.If the British variant is already well established in the country (14% of new contaminations in January), it is the South African and Brazilian strains of the virus. which now worry the health authorities the most.
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In an “urgent note” sent Sunday evening, the Directorate General of Health recommends toughening the rules for isolation and closure of classes in the event of infection with one of these variants. These four pages sent to health professionals recommend in particular strengthening the tracing, isolation and screening of infected people.
The first instruction targets laboratories and pharmacies. From now on, all PCR and antigenic tests with positive results must be analyzed more closely. Objective: to determine within 36 hours whether the infected person is a carrier of a South African or Brazilian variant.
The latter has the obligation to isolate herself longer, 10 days instead of 7 previously, that is the second instruction from the Directorate General of Health. At the end of his isolation, the patient must be tested again. His isolation ends only if the result is negative. Otherwise, it must remain in quarantine for an additional 7 days.
Preventive measures to contain these more contagious strains and prevent them from preventing the smooth running of the vaccination campaign. These strains are suspected to be more resistant to vaccines.
A more restrictive protocol in schools
Preventive but necessary measures for Patrick Pelloux. The president of emergency physicians:
“The Directorate General for Health applies very strict barrier and isolation measures in relation to these risks. We are in the process of protecting ourselves again against these variants. We must see how they will act and if the vaccine will be effective against them, “he told RMC.
The protocol also changes in schools and becomes more restrictive. Now, as soon as a child comes into contact with a parent infected with one of these two strains, Brazilian or South African, the class closes immediately. The students and the teacher must be tested.
Finally, as of today, no more homemade fabric masks, children must wear category 1 masks. More filtering surgical masks or category 1 fabric masks.
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