The Pokémon Go game has already caused many accidents or funny situations. The police, but also hospitals, call for vigilance on social networks.
Released a week ago in France, the Pokémon Go application already has its followers and supporters. Many specialists thus point out that the game is good for the health, in particular because it encourages the players to walk a lot. Marisol Touraine, Minister of Health, herself encouraged the population to practice this activity on her Twitter account. Despite this, accidents, serious or even fatal, are on the increase in the world: falls from a precipice, car accidents, crowd movements. But the craze for Pokémon hunting also disrupts health centers which see players disembark in the aisles of hospitals, or organize tournaments within the confines of establishments.
Pokémon at the CHU
In France and abroad, many voices are therefore rising to call for caution and reason, especially via social networks. Several University Hospital Centers (CHU) tweet to the attention of creature hunters. The Limoges University Hospital is oriented towards the city rather than the hospital and encourages people to take advantage of this activity for sightseeing.
The #PokemonGO are in great shape! Do not look for them at #CHU_de_Limoges but rather on @TourismLimoges 😉 pic.twitter.com/WGbHSMflYC
– CHU de Limoges (@CHU_de_Limoges) July 26, 2016
That of Toulouse specifies that it “does not cure Pokémons” and that it is therefore useless to want to catch some in the establishment. The tone is less playful in Bordeaux and Lille, which invoke respect for patients and caregivers. The Lille hospital thus recalls that it is not necessary to “enter the premises without reason, and that the smartphone camera must always be directed towards the ground, even outdoors”. However, he admits that the game encourages people to fight against a sedentary lifestyle.
#PokemonGO : no “pikaCHRU” and friends at #ChruLille. Thank you for respecting these few common sense guidelines. pic.twitter.com/EayQmAuDZ5
– Lille CHRU (@CHRU_Lille) July 22, 2016
Whether they are humorous, alert or comprehensive, the messages are also multiplying to avoid drama. The Paris firefighters encourage people not to play at the wheel, the gendarmerie gives advice for the parents of young followers and warns of the lack of vigilance. A good way to prevent Pokémon hunters from ending up in the hospital, with a good reason to be there this time!
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