After the detection of two positive cases for the South African variant in a college in Eaubonne, in Val-d'Oise, the mayor of the city has decided to set up a massive screening operation for residents as of Tuesday morning.

The objective: to draw up an inventory of the propagation of this variant and to contain it quickly.

REPORTAGE

While the Covid-19 variants threaten France, a college has just been closed until the start of the school year in Eaubonne, in Val-d'Oise, after the discovery of two positive cases with the South African variant.

To contain its spread, a massive screening operation has been organized since Tuesday morning by the city hall.

This screening has been taking place since 9 am in a gymnasium, located just next to the hospital.

All the inhabitants of Eaubonne can therefore come for a PCR test in small boxes installed on the edge of what is usually a basketball court. 

The worried college students 

Students from Jules Ferry college, affected by the variant and closed since Monday, are also priority to carry out these tests, just like their parents.

>> Find Europe midi every day in replay and podcast here 

Liam, 11, is in the same class as the two teenagers who tested positive for the South African variant.

Already suffering from major health problems, she does not necessarily say she is reassured.

"I had worked in a group with them and my best friend tested positive, so we wait to know which variant she was infected with. I feel a little worried because I am potentially positive too." 

Three-day screening

It is in particular to reassure families that the mayor of Eaubonne, Marie-José Beaulande, wanted the rapid implementation of massive screening.

"At the opening there were people, we weren't quite in place. But now it's fluid, and we're very happy because we didn't waste time on the start of the center. Everyone was mobilized: the firefighters, the hospital and the ARS. "

CORONAVIRUS ESSENTIALS

> The English variant would cause slightly different symptoms

> Not recommended for people over 65, who will be injected with the AstraZeneca vaccine? 

> Audio, webcams ... When technology adapts to teleworking

> Containment is good for the planet

> How will the vaccination passport work in Denmark?

The goal is to test 500 people by Tuesday evening, and 1,500 in all.

For this, two other screening days are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

And thanks to this operation, the town hall hopes to obtain a somewhat more precise vision of the situation in the middle of next week.