City of Metz.

(archives) -

A. GELEBART / 20 MINUTES

The Brazilian and South African variants appreciate the Moselle climate.

It has been several weeks since we have observed, according to regional data communicated by the ARS and Public Health France, that the Covid-19 epidemic situation is less good in Moselle than that of the rest of the rest of the region. Grand-Est.

What worries above all is the exponential increase in people affected by the South African and Brazilian variants over the past four days.

More than 300 cases while already 200 cases had been identified the previous days.

Deeming the situation "worrying", the Minister of Health Olivier Véran made the trip to Moselle this Friday.

He comes to assess the situation and if necessary take additional control measures.

“We must be ready to act if necessary in a territory that has already paid a heavy price for the Covid-19 pandemic.

"

Unexplained variant progression

Several health professionals and local elected officials are calling for reinforced control measures.

But they are divided on the measures to be taken in the face of an epidemic evolution of the variants which now represent 35% of cases against 4% to 5% for the rest of France.

It is always difficult to know the reasons for which the Moselle is particularly affected even if some point out the mixing of population.

The Moselle, bordering Germany and Luxembourg, being an important European axis.

But the cases "cannot all be linked to grouped sources of contagion [clusters], to trips abroad or to contacts with people who have traveled," said the minister, which could indicate a start of dissemination uncontrolled of these variants in the population.

Will the metropolitan area soon be confined?

In the metropolitan area of ​​Metz, the incidence rate for the entire population is around 380 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, almost double the average in France.

A worrying situation, all the more so as the incidence rate among those over 65 also remains above the national average but also a "very strong increase in cases among 10-20 year olds" indicated this morning again François Grosdidier, mayor of Metz.

A progression against which he was already calling, for his municipality, for a “strong and localized reconfinement, which also includes schoolchildren.

"

Our coronavirus dossier

Expected measures

All options are on the table, explained government spokesman Gabriel Attal on Friday morning.

Much awaited, especially by parents of worried students, the advance of one week of school holidays in the department.

These should normally start on Saturday February 20 (Zone B), and not this Saturday February 13, as in zone C. The Minister of Health should also announce the intensification of the tests, but also and especially of the vaccination, strong demand from local elected officials.

Health

Vaccination: The High Authority of Health recommends a single dose for people who have already had Covid-19

Health

Coronavirus: How can the vaccine strategy evolve in the face of variants?

  • Lorraine

  • Metz

  • Olivier Véran

  • Covid 19

  • Society

  • Coronavirus