"A slowdown" in the progression of the epidemic according to Véran

The Minister of Health, Olivier Veran, in front of the press in Matignon, Paris, October 22, 2020. -

The Minister of Health Olivier Véran estimated that there was a "tremor" and "a form of slowing down" in the progression of the Covid-19 epidemic in France, but that it was too early to draw conclusions on the effectiveness of the containment.

The measures taken "have made it possible to have a form of slowing down in the progression of the epidemic but it is too early to judge the effect of the re-containment", he declared on Sunday in the program

(France Inter / franceinfo

).

Figures expected at the end of the week

"By the end of the week, we will have consolidated data", which will allow us to assess the situation, but "in any case there will be an increase in hospitalizations and resuscitations in the coming days since it is a reflection of the epidemic situation before confinement, ”he added.

Moreover, the minister does not think that the closure of schools is necessary at this stage: "I am not convinced that the closure of schools would have a beef effect on the measures that we have taken", declared.

On the contrary, he fears a deleterious effect of such a measure on “the education and well-being of children”.

A debate on those affected

The introduction of “control measures” for people who test positive for Covid-19, so that they are “sheltered” so as not to spread the virus, “justifies a democratic debate”, finally estimated Olivier Véran.

"Are we in a position today to democratically accept measures to control people who would be sheltered, to prevent a potentially contagious person from leaving?"

This has never been done in the history of our country, including for very infectious diseases such as tuberculosis ”, he recalled, stressing that this subject“ puts stress on our relationship to fundamental freedoms and sociological history of our country.

The philosophy of government is accountability and trust ”

He observed, however, that "the countries which have put in place sanction measures for those who do not respect isolation when they are sick face the same wave as us".

"Not fully convinced" by this coercive approach, the minister considered that "that justifies a democratic debate", affirming thereafter that there will be "a reflection on the shelter of the people who are positive cases".

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