Illustrative image of a PCR test.
-
Ludovic MARIN / AFP
The English variant of the coronavirus detected for the first time in Martinique.
The infected person was placed in isolation and "is doing well", said Friday the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of the island.
"To date, no other case of secondary contamination has been identified," said ARS Martinique in a press release.
Five at-risk contacts were identified and tested but the results were negative.
Health authorities suspected the presence of a case of the English variant since January 18.
"Without waiting for the results of the expertises, this person domiciled in Martinique was invited to respect strict isolation," said the ARS.
"Compelling reason"
One in ten cases of Covid-19 currently detected in France could be due to the English variant of the coronavirus, three times more than during the first week of January, according to estimates given on Wednesday by government spokesman Gabriel Attal.
From February 2, it will take a compelling reason to travel to Martinique and Guadeloupe, in order to protect the French Antilles from the variants of Covid-19, announced Thursday the Minister of Overseas Territories, Sébastien Lecornu.
This measure, which should make it possible to avoid the influx of travelers from France during the February holidays, will be accompanied by a mandatory PCR test to leave for France.
Last December, Martinique received more than 100,000 vacationers.
Health
Coronavirus: British variant spreads to 70 countries, South Africa to 31
Society
Coronavirus in Roubaix: English variant, effectiveness of antigenic tests ... The Covid screening campaign has not revealed all its secrets
Overseas
Covid 19
Society
Martinique
Coronavirus