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Day by day, the coronavirus epidemic is gaining ground in France, which is still confined for several weeks. On Tuesday, the authorities reported a final death toll of 1,100, 240 more than the previous day, and 2,516 people in intensive care. Wednesday, the executive wants to appear on all fronts: first the adoption of ordinances for the state of health emergency in the Council of Ministers, then the visit of Emmanuel Macron to the military field hospital from Mulhouse. Follow the situation live.
Information to remember:
- France has passed the 1,000 death mark, with 1,100 deaths and 2,516 people in intensive care
- Experts recommend containment of at least six weeks, executive response expected
- After an important council of ministers, Emmanuel Macron moves to the military hospital in Mulhouse
- Over 18,000 dead worldwide, concern in the United States
240 dead in 24 hours, fears for the Ehpad
According to the assessment of the health authorities, Tuesday evening, 1,100 deaths (+240 in 24 hours) were recorded in the hospital since the start of the Covid-19 epidemic and 2,516 patients were on Tuesday evening in intensive care (+434) on a total of 10,176 hospitalized patients.
And again, deaths in hospitals "represent only a small part of mortality" in the country, noted Professor Jérôme Salomon, Director General of Health, citing the other place of high mortality that are Ehpad. A "daily monitoring of mortality" in these establishments for the elderly will also be established, while the cases of the Ehpad of Cornimont, in the Vosges, and of the Rothschild foundation, in Paris, have shaken up public opinion.
Towards containment until the end of April?
The Scientific Council gathered around Emmanuel Macron recommends the extension for a total period of six weeks, until April 28, of the confinement initially planned for two weeks minimum.
It is still only an "estimate among others", commented the Minister of Health Olivier Véran, without specifying if the government was going to rally to it - which is generally the case has he agreed. "When the circulation of the virus is controlled, then the lifting of the containment can be tackled," said Olivier Véran. "If it is possible to raise it earlier, we will obviously do it."
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In the meantime, you will need a new derogatory certificate, including a mention of the exit times.
The executive on the bridge
Emmanuel Macron will go during the day to the field hospital in Mulhouse, which welcomed a first patient on Tuesday. The President wishes to "pay tribute to the nursing staff" and to show his solidarity towards a region that is hard hit by the Great East.
Earlier in the morning, the head of state will have chaired an important council of ministers in the current context. Support for businesses, modification of paid holidays, postponement of trips… No less than 24 prescriptions must be presented after the vote on the law establishing a state of health emergency.
Over 18,000 dead worldwide, U.S. scrutinized
The new coronavirus has killed at least 18,259 people worldwide since its appearance, according to a report established by AFP. Over 404,020 cases of infection have been diagnosed in 175 countries and territories. Most affected countries: Italy (6,820 dead for 69,176 cases) and China (81,171 cases, including 3,277 deaths and 73,159 healings).
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The United States has 600 dead for 49,768 cases, but the World Health Organization has estimated that the country could soon overtake Europe in number of cases and become the epicenter of the pandemic.
The Pentagon estimates that the crisis will last "several months", with a return to normal at the earliest in June-July on the American territory, while Donald Trump reiterated his opposition to a prolonged confinement of the country which could "destroy" the economy. New York State sees "a doubling of the number of cases every three days," according to its governor.