On leaving the Council of Ministers, the government spokesperson, Gabriel Attal, spoke to take stock. What is the health situation to date? Can progressive deconfinement hold up on time?
A “clear improvement”
Given the health indicators, the epidemic situation seems to be improving in France. According to Gabriel Attal, “ The numbers indicate a favorable trend “. Indeed, the incidence rate, or the number of new cases of Covid-19 reported during a given period, is declining. Despite the lack of homogeneity between regions, the incidence rate has now fallen below the threshold of 400 per 100,000 inhabitants throughout France. The good news is that it is on this figure that the government is basing itself to continue deconfinement with the dates announced by Emmanuel Macron. As a reminder, since May 3, it is possible for the French to move freely throughout the territory, without a certificate during the day. The next step is scheduled for May 19, when the curfew will be pushed back to 9 p.m. rather than 7 p.m. currently. Also, on May 19, it is expected that the terraces, certain shops as well as places of worship and sports will reopen. However, this will only be possible “ if we maintain our efforts “.
Continue to contain the epidemic
Indeed, it would be detrimental to the population to relax the efforts now, because they will have been in vain, as Gabriel Attal reminds us. We must continue the ” efforts at the risk of spoiling those made so far “. In addition, hospital services continue to be under pressure as they remain ” extremely busy », Despite decreasing figures for resuscitation (- 112 people in 24 hours). Currently, 5,504 patients are still admitted to intensive care units and more than 1,500 people have been hospitalized within 24 hours. In addition, the variants continue to circulate in France, notably the English and South African variant. Several cases of contamination by the so-called Indian variant have also been reported in France since April 29. ” The threat of variants remains real “, According to the spokesperson. It is therefore important to continue to respect the restrictions put in place, so that this deconfinement is the last in France.
