In order to avoid an epidemic rebound and limit the risk of the third wave of Covid-19 in January, the Scientific Council published last Saturday, a background note evoking its recommendations for the end-of-year celebrations. Let’s do a check in
Avoid an epidemic rebound after the holidays
Despite health restrictions, the viral circulation of the virus remains active with 10,000 to 15,000 new cases per day. In a briefing note published on Saturday December 12, 2020, the Scientific Council announces that “ the target of 5,000 contaminations per day will not be reached on December 15 “. In this sense, the Scientific Council presented its recommendations to avoid an epidemic rebound after the end of the year holidays: ” it is, in fact, a given that it is necessary to avoid causing an epidemic rebound like that observed in North America after Thanksgiving and to avoid the occurrence of a 3rd wave in the 1st quarter of 2021 “.
Self-containment before Christmas Eve
According to the ComCor study carried out in France last October-November on the scene and circumstances of the new contaminations, it has been shown that the risk of transmission of the virus is high ” during meals, whether they take place in a private (family, friendly) or public environment (cafes, restaurants, etc.) “. This is why the Scientific Council recommends that adults restrict contact during the week before Christmas Eve and the week before New Year’s Eve for those who wish to spend the holidays with their loved ones. The Scientific Council encourages those who can, to take time off during this period or to favor teleworking.
Children will have the right not to go to school on December 17 and 18
Regarding schools and high schools, the Scientific Council is submitting two proposals in order to limit the viral spread before the holidays. On the one hand, he proposes to strengthen sanitary measures the week of December 14 and to avoid gatherings and on the other hand, he calls for ” leave a tolerance to families who can and who wish to extend the school vacation period by 2 days so that self-confinement of 1 week is also possible for children. It is therefore recommended not to penalize school absences on December 17 and 18 “.
The question of tests before the holidays
Regarding the use of virological tests before the holidays, the Scientific Council sees two scenarios. For symptomatic people in the week preceding family reunions (24, 25 and 31 December), the Scientific Council reminds that the latter must benefit from a test and isolate themselves without delay. According to experts, “ it is recommended to perform these tests on the Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday before Christmas Eve. The test performed on Wednesday or Thursday would be ideal as long as the test result is available before New Years Eve on December 24 or 31. “.
For asymptomatic people, the Scientific Council explains that there is ” a risk-taking in the week preceding the days of 24, 25, 31 December and 1 January due to a multiplication of contacts or a proven positive contact, an RT-PCR test can be carried out, or failing that, a test antigenic “. On the other hand, ” there is no risk taking or self-containment took place in the week preceding the days of December 24, 25, 31 and January 1, virological tests (RTPCR or antigenic tests) have not, or little , of interest. They are therefore not recommended “.
