"There is no epidemic in France," said Olivier Véran, new Minister of Health, on Sunday. Wanting to be reassuring, the former Isérois deputy nevertheless recalled that in mainland France, "a patient was hospitalized" and affirmed that France was looking at the Italian situation "with great attention". In question, the third transalpine death related to the coronavirus, occurred this Sunday, whereas the world assessment of the epidemic increased with more than 2,600 deaths.
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"We are doing everything to keep this situation under control," continued Olivier Véran, announcing that he would "activate" 70 new hospitals to accommodate coronavirus patients in the event of the spread of the disease in France.
A series of "barrier gestures"
No coronavirus epidemic in France, therefore, but the authorities nevertheless call for vigilance. As with every risk of an epidemic, precautionary measures must be observed. The World Health Organization recommends adopting a series of "barrier gestures". It's the best way to protect yourself and those around you: wash your hands thoroughly, cover your mouth or nose if you cough or sneeze, and maintain a safe distance of one meter from people you seem to be around. symptoms like fever, cough, or difficulty breathing.
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The protective masks that many buy are especially recommended for people who are already infected. But beware, the period of use is relatively short, some masks are no longer effective beyond three hours. This has resulted in many shortages since the discovery of the coronavirus.
Travel to China not recommended
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs advises against going to China except for "imperative reason", where the epidemic has declared, it is indicated on the website of the Quai d'Orsay. The province of Hubei, home of the new coronavirus, is an "officially discouraged" area and is classified as a "red area". And if you come back from a region affected by the virus, you must be particularly vigilant . Public health France invites to measure its temperature twice a day, and if symptoms appear, you should not go to the emergency room or to a doctor, but call 15.