Covid: "The Delta variant will not be worrying in France for this summer", estimates Olivier Guérin

Still very much in the minority in France, the Delta variant nonetheless remains at the center of the attention of scientists who fear a possible epidemic resumption.

"I think that the Delta variant will not be worrying in France for this summer", however estimated the member of the Scientific Council Olivier Guérin on Saturday evening on Europe 1.

INTERVIEW

Responsible for outbreaks of Covid-19 in certain regions of the world such as Moscow in Russia, the Delta variant is causing concern in France, while deconfinement continues with the lifting of the curfew at 11 p.m. from Sunday.

This so-called "Indian" variant nevertheless remains largely in the minority in the country.

It only represents 2 to 4% of the positive cases identified.

But its number of cases has quadrupled in three weeks.

"I think that the Delta variant will not be worrying in France for this summer, except for a big surprise," said Olivier Guérin, member of the Scientific Council and head of the geriatrics pole of the University Hospital of Nice, on Saturday evening on Europe 1.

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A reproduction rate of eight

This variant should not, however, be taken lightly, stressed the specialist.

"He has an R, the famous reproduction rate of the virus, which without any barrier is probably over eight, which we have never known. The very first (variant), he was at three."

A person affected by the Delta variant "therefore contaminates eight", added Olivier Guérin.

For him, this should therefore alert on the "speed" at which "this variant can propagate".

"It is probably the one that will take the place of the other variants, since it is more efficient, in the months and years to come", added the specialist.

According to him, only scrupulous respect for barrier gestures combined with vaccination will be able to curb its spread.

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"Get tested in the slightest doubt"

"You really have to keep both this individual capacity, when you are in a situation of too strong proximity, to put the mask back on and then, if there is the slightest doubt, to be tested," he concluded.