The threat of an epidemic resumption continues to grow in France. France recorded 3,015 new coronavirus contaminations within 24 hours, exceeding the 3,000 case mark for the second day in a row, the French Public Health Agency (SPF) announced on Sunday (August 16th).

Sign of the increased circulation of the virus during this summer vacation period, France had recorded its largest number of new infections on Saturday since the end of confinement in May, with 3,360 cases identified.

Slight increase in the number of hospitalizations

In total, 218,536 contaminations have been identified in France since the start of the epidemic and 30,410 people have died from Covid-19 according to figures given on Sunday by SPF. Since the report released on Saturday, one person has died of the disease. 

The number of people hospitalized, however, increased only slightly, to 4,860 against 4,857 on Saturday, or three more patients in 24 hours. In intensive care, the number of patients with severe form of Covid-19 infection remains stable, with 376 beds occupied.

SPF also indicates that 17 new clusters were identified in 24 hours.

Protective measures a few days before the start of the school year

Faced with the increase in the number of new infections, more and more cities in France are requiring the wearing of masks to try to stop the spread of the virus.

The decision to expand the areas in which the wearing of a mask is compulsory thus entered into force on Saturday morning in Paris and Marseille.

The Minister of Labor, Élisabeth Borne, also told the Journal du dimanche that she would propose Tuesday to the social partners to make it compulsory to wear a mask in companies, in meeting rooms without natural ventilation and in traffic spaces by example.

With Reuters

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