FRENCH NATIONAL EXTENSION & RAPID WORSENING OF EPIDEMIC OVER COVID-19 CRISIS

USPA NEWS - « We are rapidly evolving towards a generalized epidemic on the territory, but many uncertainties remain on the behavior of the virus but especially on the impact of individual and collective barrier measures (strict confinement, respect for the distance of one meter between people), which are still imperfectly applied or we can all avoid serious cases avoid deaths by being very respectful of the instructions. » An official said in France. Containment measures are in place for a minimum of 15 days. The extension of containment will depend on the observance of the application of containment by the population and the evolution of the epidemic situation. Currently, more than 4,000 tests are performed each day and the capacities are not saturated. Over 60,000 tests have already been carried out.

This Saturday, March 21, 2020, there are 14,459 cases confirmed by PCR test. Hospital surveillance identifies 6,172 people hospitalized, including 1,525 serious cases in intensive care. 562 people died in hospital. Severe forms are observed even in young adults: 50% of people hospitalized in intensive care are less than 60 years old.------------------------------------------------ The transition to the epidemic phase has led to an evolution in screening conditions, in order to favor the management of the most serious cases. People who are fragile, at risk, hospitalized, residents of collective accommodation of people at risk and health professionals, new homes or territories are systematically tested. We must all strictly observe the confinement instructions, the barrier measures (very regular hand washing) and the minimum distance of one meter between people on the street, in queues, in transport, at work, reduce massively our contacts throughout the day. Priority should be given to remote care when possible, in the interest of patients who are confined to their homes and can call their doctors, and to protect caregivers. As of March 21 and throughout the duration of the epidemic, telemedicine and teleconsultation are fully supported. [Updated on Friday March 22 at 2:35 pm]