Paris (AFP)

The coronavirus epidemic has killed seventeen new people since Friday in France and the circulation of the virus remains "sustained", the General Directorate of Health (DGS) said on Monday, which invites us to remain "mobilized" to avoid "a reprise".

"Viral circulation remains sustained in France" but "the latest epidemiological trends still show a slow deterioration", explains the DGS.

The epidemic killed 17 people in three days in hospitals, bringing the total number of deaths to 30,209 people.

Since the start of the epidemic, 19,693 people have died in hospitals and 10,516 in social and medico-social establishments (Ehpad). The next update of the figures for these establishments will take place on Tuesday.

In total, 5,655 people are currently hospitalized for a Covid-19 infection, including 398 in intensive care, or twelve less than on Friday.

Since May 9, 610 grouped cases (or "clusters") have been detected but 386 are "closed", notes the DGS. 224 outbreaks are therefore still active on July 27, including 7 new ones detected. A "cluster" is defined by the occurrence of at least three confirmed or probable cases, in a period of 7 days, which belong to the same community or have participated in the same gathering.

"It is up to us to resume certain good habits, certain gestures of common sense and not to slack off, while remaining vigilant and cautious", underlines the DGS.

"The spread of the virus is slow and inconspicuous, especially in young adults with little symptom."

To stop an outbreak of Covid-19 cases, the beaches, parks and gardens of the Breton municipalities of Quiberon and Saint-Pierre Quiberon are now prohibited from access in the evening and at night. 54 cases were identified locally among a young audience who had participated in private parties or frequented bars.

Faced with a risk of epidemic resumption, the prefect of Gard has decided to make the wearing of a mask compulsory in the "hyper-city center" of Nîmes, where a festive event takes place every Thursday evening in summer.

Since the start of the epidemic, 106,861 people have been hospitalized and 81,082 people have returned home.

The DGS calls on the French to be tested "if you have the slightest doubt or if you have been in contact with a carrier", even without a prescription and "even if you are on vacation far from your home".

© 2020 AFP