Appeared 5 months ago in China in the province of Hubei, the COVID-19 pandemic is decreasing in the world, with respect to either the number of new cases or deaths, but it is not extinct, far from it.
New epidemic foci (or “cluster”) have been declared. No vaccine or treatment has yet been found to definitively stop the Sars-CoV-2 virus, hence the strong apprehension of countries faced with the deconfinement of the population.
In figures, to date, the coronavirus has infected more than 4 million people and left 282,200 dead. The most affected country is the USA (1.32 million cases and 79,100 deaths according to John Hopkins University).
The elderly are at very high risk of death from the coronavirus, not to mention the harmful effects of confinement on this population which particularly suffers from isolation. Residents over 65 are among the most at risk for serious forms of coronavirus and death. The elderly and vulnerable must remain very careful.
In Europe, Spain leads by number of cases (224,500 cases) and the United Kingdom with the highest number of deaths (31,900) just ahead of Italy (30,500 deaths). The epidemic is still active and evolving in France and the virus circulates in many areas of the territory. 139,063 cases of Covid-19 were recorded on May 10, 22,569 people hospitalized for a COVID-19 infection including 2,776 in intensive care and 26,380 deaths.
We must for several weeks still apply and enforce barrier gestures, respecting the minimum physical distance of one meter and reducing the number of our contacts. The elderly or those suffering from chronic pathologies considered to be risk factors for a serious form of the disease are urged to exercise extreme caution.
On May 11, the deconfinement plan has come into effect in France. It includes in particular the reopening of schools, shops (outside shopping centers), the compulsory wearing of a mask in public transport, compulsory authorization from the employer for French people using public transport, authorization to travel up to 100 km from your place of residence as the crow flies without exit certificate. Beyond that, it will be necessary to justify of a reason for the displacement, familial or professional .
The health situation allows a gradual deconfinement on May 11, before a second phase which will extend until June 2. It will make it possible to verify that the plan implemented make it possible to contain the epidemic. And to consider the measures for the next phase: from June 2 until the summer. For the moment, the borders of the European Union and the Schengen area are closed to slow the circulation of the virus between people and a certificate of derogatory displacement must be presented to each person wishing to enter France since April 8.
Hand hygiene must be systematic during any gesture or situation at risk of transmission of SARS-CoV-2: after handling a mask (any type of mask), before preparing meals, serving them and consume them and before leaving your home, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing, visiting a person, each outing, taking public transportation, going to the toilet. It is recommended to wash your hands with soap and water for 30 seconds and then dry them with a clean towel or in the open air.
There are still many questions at this stage.
What are the barrier gestures against the virus? What is R0? Will all medical offices reopen on May 11? What do we know today about this coronavirus? What medications should you avoid and take if you have symptoms? Will we be able to go on vacation this summer? What will be the psychological consequences of deconfinement? Does the coronavirus survive when we die?
China announced on Monday, May 11, 17 new cases of Covid-19 in Beijing, 10 of which are infections of local origin. In South Korea, an outbreak has been reported in a nightlife district of Seoul. Disneyland has reopened in Shanghai with multiple restrictions. Russia on Monday recorded 11,656 additional cases of Covid-19, more than half of which in Moscow, while Vladimir Putin is to chair a meeting on containment measures. The UK is extending its containment until June 1, at least, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced on Sunday.
From May 11, Air France will monitor the temperature of all its passengers. Temperature controls will be gradually deployed on all flights operated by Air France from today. This systematic verification will be carried out using non-contact infrared thermometers. Customers with a temperature above 38 °C may be denied boarding and their reservation will be changed without charge for a later departure.