The ninth wave of the Covid epidemic is “still progressing” in France, associated with an increase in hospitalizations and deaths, health authorities observed on Thursday, while the country also faces influenza and bronchiolitis. Given the majority of indicators – in the absence of those affected by a strike in certain biology laboratories – and the use of care, “the epidemic was still progressing”, noted the public health agency France in a report of the past week to December 4.
Incidence rates continued to increase in all regions of mainland France, under the effect of a wave still driven by the Omicron variant.
The pace of new admissions seems to be slowing down
Hospitalizations rose for the third consecutive week, the rate of new admissions however seeming to decline (+7%, against +13% the previous week). And deaths, in hospitals and in medico-social establishments, have started to increase again, “after several weeks of decline”.
The “triple epidemic” facing France is “completely unprecedented” and its evolution still difficult to predict, underlined last week Public Health France. A surging Covid, early and rising flu and bronchiolitis at record levels for more than 10 years in infants are simultaneously impacting an already very strained health system.
Emmanuel Macron put the mask back on
“In this context and given the active circulation of several respiratory viruses”, Public Health France called once again on Thursday to strengthen vaccination for those most at risk. Booster Covid and flu vaccinations are still lagging behind, despite a recent shudder. The High Authority for Health gave the green light on Thursday to two new vaccines available as a reminder, with a technology other than messenger RNA.
Adherence to barrier gestures, including wearing a mask, must “increase in particular to protect the most vulnerable”, also hammered the health agency. Emmanuel Macron put on a mask on Thursday during a trip to Vienne, believing that it was necessary to “get back to habits” in the face of the rise in the Covid-19 epidemic, “on a voluntary basis”.
With the approach of the end of year celebrations, the government only wants to encourage the wearing of a mask, but caregivers, epidemiologists, patient associations urge it to impose it in closed places.
Source: Europe1
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