ANALYSIS
A new stage was reached on Saturday evening in France, with the transition to stage 3 of the coronavirus epidemic, which now corresponds to an epidemic in the strict sense. Concretely, the coronavirus circulates throughout the country, which implies the adoption of strict measures to reduce its spread. The closure of nurseries and schools, decided Thursday evening, is added to that of all places receiving non-essential public, as well as many shops. On the other hand, the municipal elections of Sunday March 15 are maintained. Europe 1 explains the impact of moving to stage 3 on your daily life.
Non-serious patients on an outpatient basis, severe cases in healthcare establishments
The Ministry of Health explains, in a document posted on the Internet, the health strategy involved in the various epidemic stages. The third stage is to adopt a "mitigation" strategy that rests on three pillars. First, protect fragile populations, especially in nursing homes. Coronavirus patients will then be screened. The least serious cases will be treated on an outpatient basis, that is to say invited to stay at home so as not to overload the hospitals. Only severe cases will remain hospitalized.
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The government, which has announced that it has requisitioned "all stocks and the production of protective masks", will also ensure the supply of essential health products. Finally, all the hospital staff can be mobilized. To "support our caregivers, doctors, nurses, all those who contribute to the care in the hospital as in city", the creches and the schools will organize Monday a reception for their children, indicated Saturday evening the Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe. "Gradually, this device will be extended to all children of personnel essential to the life of the nation," he added.
Transport restrictions, request for travel restrictions
With the transition to stage 3, restrictions on transport can be envisaged. "There are what are called continuity plans: we prepare for the epidemic phase if it happens. This would allow, in a slightly maximalist version, to proceed with restrictions," explained the Secretary of State for Transport Jean- Baptiste Djebbari, on Europe 1.
Certain transmission lines could therefore be given priority, while others could on the contrary be restricted. However, "there is no question of stopping the trains running," assured the Minister of Ecological Transition Elisabeth Borne. "Stage 3" is about "ensuring that the staff can ensure the maximum continuity of transport services in a context where it is assumed that the virus is circulating more widely in the population," said the Minister. Some stations could, for example, be closed. For the time being, RATP and SNCF had already announced, before stage 3, a "reduced offer" from Monday. Saturday evening, the spokesperson for the RATP predicted "80%" traffic in the Paris metro. Forecasts which may still evolve by Monday.
Faced with the crisis, the authorities are taking a new step and now recommend limiting contact with family or friends and staying at home as much as possible. "You have to leave your home only to do essential shopping, do some exercise or to vote," said Edouard Philippe, confirming the holding of the first round of municipal elections on Sunday "by strictly respecting the instructions for distance and prioritization of the elderly and frail ".
Closure of shops and places open to the public
Saturday evening, Edouard Philippe announced the closure at midnight of all shops and places open to the public that would not be "essential". In other words, only food stores, banks, tobacconists, gas stations and pharmacies remain open. Other shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, cinemas, nightclubs, theaters or concert halls, all of this will remain closed. The places of worship will be open but the ceremonies will no longer take place.
"We have seen too many people in cafes and restaurants. For a few weeks, this is not what we have to do" urged Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Saturday. "I say this seriously: we must all show more discipline in the application of these measures." Nurseries, schools, colleges, high schools and universities will also be closed, as the President of the Republic had already announced Thursday evening.
Companies will have to "initiate a massive telework operation" on Monday, also warned Edouard Philippe.