Thirty-one days for a lull: according to the Lille University Hospital, the epidemic pressure of the coronavirus "fell thanks to the confinement" imposed since March 17 in the North as everywhere in France. This observation is illustrated by a figure: the rate of contagion (reproduction of the virus), which makes it possible to say how many people are infected by a carrier. When this rate is higher than 1, the epidemic progresses. In the region, it dropped to 0.37.
"Containment works"
"There are patients entering our emergency rooms every day on suspicion of Covid-19 or proven Covid-19, but there are fewer," attests Patrick Goldstein, boss of the Samu du Nord. "There are also fewer patients who will go from emergency to intensive care. Let us be clear: containment works so it must really be kept," says the man who is also head of the emergency department at Lille University Hospital.
>> LIVE - Coronavirus: follow the evolution of the situation Thursday April 16
The other indicator to look for in order to observe a trend concerns the use of beds in intensive care. The Lille CHU has never experienced saturation as in the Grand Est region or in Île-de-France, but the number of resuscitation patients, around 90, is slightly down.
No reduction in Covid-19 beds for the moment
This slight decrease in the bed occupancy rate is also observed for hospitalizations of patients who do not require respirators. "We prefer to remain cautious and not yet speak of a decline," said Frédéric Boiron, director general of the Lille University Hospital. "The number of beds dedicated by the CHU to the reception of patients with Covid-19 has not yet been reduced. But we are studying the hypotheses of modification of this device, in particular in intensive care, taking into account the current tendency to stabilization of activity. "
CORONAVIRUS ESSENTIALS
> How long are healthy carriers contagious?
> What are the side effects of chloroquine?
> Adulterated tests, false calls for donations ...: watch out for scams linked to the coronavirus
> Reading, board games ... How to stimulate your brain during confinement?
> How to avoid gaining pounds during confinement?
Of course, here as elsewhere, specialists do not rule out a rebound in the epidemic. However, in hospitals in the region, it is hoped by May 11 that they will need half as many beds in intensive care, 200 to 250 beds against 400 currently.