COVID-19 Resurgence in France: Rising Hospitalizations, Expert Warnings, and Public Health Concerns
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 20, 2024 1 week, 3 days, 19 hours, 14 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: COVID-19 cases are increasing in France, prompting health experts to urge continued caution. Despite the perception that the pandemic is over, hospital admissions and emergency visits for COVID-19 are rising. Infectious disease expert Dr Benjamin Davido emphasized the ongoing threat, stating, "People thought that COVID was gone, but that's not the case." He advised self-isolation for those showing symptoms or testing positive, especially with upcoming large events like the legislative elections and the Paris Olympics.
COVID-19 Resurgence in France: Rising Hospitalizations,
Expert Warnings, and Public Health Concerns
Summer Surge: Unexpected and Concerning
The recent uptick in COVID-19 cases during the summer is unusual, as respiratory diseases typically peak in winter. Dr Davido remarked, "It's not good news to see COVID in summer," highlighting the unexpected nature of this surge.
According to local
COVID-19 News coverages, the Santé Publique France reported that there has been a 52% week-on-week increase in hospital emergency visits for COVID-related issues and a 51% rise in consultations with SOS Médecins. Although these numbers are lower than pandemic peaks, they are still significant.
https://www.francetvinfo.fr/sante/maladie/coronavirus/on-pensait-le-covid-enterre-ce-n-est-pas-le-cas-alerte-l-infectiologue-benjamin-davido-avant-les-legislatives-et-les-jo_6609519.html
https://www.connexionfrance.com/news/why-covid-19-hospital-cases-are-rising-again-in-france/665273
Global Perspective: Continued Spread and Evolution
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have both noted a resurgence of SARS-COV-2. The WHO emphasized that COVID-19 is "continuing to spread and evolve," with new variants that are increasingly adept at evading vaccine-induced immunity. Dr Davido echoed these concerns, noting a rise in hospitalizations at Raymond-Poincaré hospital, where he works, over the past eight weeks.
Upcoming Events: Legislative Elections and Olympics
The timing of this resurgence is particularly worrying, given the upcoming legislative elections and the Paris Olympics. Dr Davido warned of the potential for increased transmission at polling stations and other confined spaces during these events. "We thought COVID had gone, above all, had become a seasonal disease, but that's not the case. We have several deadlines," he said, stressing the need for vigilance.
Mask-We
aring and Self-Isolation: A Decline in Protective Measures
Dr Davido also highlighted a concerning decline in protective behaviors. "It's no longer automatic for people to wear a mask when they are ill, or to test themselves to avoid contaminating people and creating clusters," he observed. Another expert, Professor Mircea Sofonea from the University of Montpellier, described the recent rise in cases as "predictable," attributing it to waning immunity due to reduced vaccination rates and the diminishing effectiveness of vaccines over time.
Vaccination and Boosters: A Call to Action
Despite the challenges, vaccination remains a critical tool in combating COVID-19. Dr Davido urged people to stay current with their vaccinations and booster shots. As of June 13, 360,812 people in France had received a booster dose, including 188,035 individuals aged 80 or over. Ensuring that more people are vaccinated can help mitigate the spread and severity of COVID-19.
Tech Changes: End of Contact Tracing Notifications
In the midst of these health advisories, tech giant Apple announced the removal of its 'exposure to COVID' notifications in the latest iPhone software update. This feature, which alerted users to potential COVID-19 exposure, was introduced in April 2020. A similar tool, TousAntiCovid, was developed by the French government. However, a report by computer safety agency CNIL in July 2022 found that the app had limited effectiveness in tracing contacts.
Looking Forward: Maintaining Vigilance
Dr Davido's warnings serve as a crucial reminder that COVID-19 is still a present threat. As France navigates the legislative elections and prepares for the Olympics, maintaining vigilance through mask-wearing, self-isolation when symptomatic, and staying up-to-date with vaccinations is essential. The rise in COVID-19 cases, alongside other illnesses like measles and dengue fever, underscores the importance of continued public health measures.
In summary, the resurgence of COVID-19 in France highlights the need for ongoing caution and preventive measures. With large public events on the horizon, health experts are calling for renewed vigilance to prevent further spread and ensure public safety.
For the latest
COVID-19 News, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/covid-19-hospital-consultations-and-emergency-department-caseloads-on-the-rise-in-france
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/weekly-covid-19-hospitalizations-in-france-surge-by-percent-amidst-rising-infections
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