Headlines: "Should we believe that the epidemic is coming to an end?"

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A computer image created by Nexu Science Communication in collaboration with Trinity College in Dublin, shows a structurally representative model of a betacoronavirus: Covid-19. NEXU Science Communication / via REUTERS

By: Frédéric Couteau Follow

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Question asked on the first page by Le Figaro . A priori all the lights are green , points the newspaper. A quick glance at the situation in the country could effectively make us believe that the epidemic is over. Better yet, taking into account the three criteria put forward by the government to authorize deconfinement, all departments should go green next Thursday. In fact, the number of resuscitation patients has been decreasing steadily since April 9, and the maximum capacity to receive them in hospital departments is no longer exceeded in any department. Finally, even if this figure is difficult to verify, the government ensures that the testing capacity is sufficient throughout the territory.  "

But beware, nothing is won, warns Le Figaro ... "  Many scientists continue to warn of the risk of a second wave. Even if this is less obvious, the virus is still circulating in France, and many cases probably escape surveillance - in the absence of generalized screening. In this flammable context, the slightest deviation from health regulations can give rise to new clusters, likely to relaunch the epidemic.  "

So "  hope  ", yes, but also "  caution  ", comments Le Figaro . Because the virus has not changed, it is still terribly contagious and the French population is still not immune. Let us not lose sight of the fact that the improvement we are experiencing today is the direct consequence of a confinement which is certainly painful, but effective. Social distancing and respect for barrier gestures are more essential than ever.  "

Nothing is played ...

We really want to believe, at the end of the epidemic , sighs La Dépêche du Midi. The sinister counters, which used to shell the dead and the sick, are now idling. The hospital wards are emptied, the respirators are disconnected and all of France is breathing again. Today, the Prime Minister, who had taken the wand of Father Fouettard in recent weeks, should be more fluent, with a new set of deconfinement measures. Probably a green light for bars and restaurants, with restrictions, an extension for the 100 km leash and prospects for shows. After three months of rigor, everyone would want to play football and go for a beating. However, nothing is played , also warns La Dépêche. The virus is still circulating. And if the specter of a second wave in the shape of a tsunami fades away, we must expect fierce 'clusters', which can decimate a village, an Ehpad, a business, where the barrier gestures have been forgotten.  "

Another scourge: famine

Another global risk, another calamity ... Famine threatens all over the world. This is what La Croix notes . “  Undernourishment had declined until 2015, succeeding in reaching the threshold of 10% of the world population set in the Millennium Development Goals. It has started since its rise in almost all the sub-regions of Africa, points out the Catholic daily newspaper , and, to a lesser extent, in Latin America and West Asia. (…) In regions where hunger is rampant, as in the Sahel strip, it could turn into disaster: drought, violence linked to groups like Boko Haram and the decrease in transfers sent from Europe this year adds the worst invasion of locusts in fifteen years. The World Food Program also plans to double the number of people in food emergencies worldwide.  "

And it is not only the poor countries that are threatened, La Croix notes again ... “  The images of empty refrigerators in American homes have highlighted the robustness of European social systems. But even there, the closing of schools and the stopping of school canteens have shown the importance of subsidized meals… 

France champion of the clean car?

Finally, back in France, with the automobile support plan announced yesterday by Emmanuel Macron ... "  We have to buy cars!"  “, Says Le Courrier Picard on the first page.

Automobile: it's time to buy,  " insists La Provence.

Bonuses for buying clean cars  ," says Le Dauphiné.

A recovery to 8 billion,  " tip Ouest France.

Indeed, the sector is on "  the emergency stop lane  ", continues the daily of the great West. “  Reinforcement of the aid for the purchase of electric and hybrid cars, one million clean vehicles produced in France by 2025, scrapped premium… This vast plan of eight billion euros must encourage buy french and roll greener. (…) The days of the heat engine are well numbered , estimates Ouest France. The President of the Republic wants to make France the first nation to produce clean vehicles in Europe. By focusing on all-electric, plug-in hybrid or hybrid cars. An expected change in ecological terms and a boost needed to support a sector that represents 4,000 companies and 400,000 direct jobs.  "

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  • Coronavirus
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