Metz (AFP)
Twenty residents of a nursing home in Cornimont (Vosges) died "possibly linked to the Covid-19", announced Monday the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Grand Est and the prefecture of the Vosges.
"We regret to confirm, to date, 20 deaths possibly linked to the Covid 19", said in a joint press release the ARS and the Vosges prefecture, specifying that the establishment, "Le Couarôge", " welcomes 163 dependent elderly people ".
"As a precaution, high-risk residents are taken care of by the Remiremont and Epinal hospitals," they added, without specifying their number.
The first cases were detected in mid-March: three residents and a healthcare professional working in the establishment were hospitalized.
A resident and two staff members with less severe forms of the virus were also confined.
"In view of the risks of transmission of the virus within this establishment (...), security measures were immediately triggered on site to isolate the patients, confine the professionals concerned and strengthen hygiene measures", according to l 'ARS and the prefecture.
"Confirmed health professionals (contaminated with coronavirus, Editor's note) are confined to their home for a minimum period of 14 days", they add, without further details, again on their number.
In France, several retirement homes have been affected by deaths probably linked to the coronavirus: 15 according to a new assessment communicated Monday in an Ehpad in Thise (Doubs) and several in the Hérault. Infectious foci have also been reported in Vienne and Paris.
In Thise, where the nursing home has 80 residents, the 15 victims presented with symptoms of the coronavirus. Not being systematically tested, it is not possible to officially link these deaths to the virus.
"There are about twenty people who still have the temperature, we are in a situation of waiting and worry," said the mayor of the town, Alain Loriguet.
The establishments for the elderly had taken very restrictive measures to prevent the spread of the virus at the beginning of March with restriction then prohibition of visits, taking of temperatures, hydroalcoholic gel and masks.
© 2020 AFP