Read on Twitter
French health minister Olivier Véran is giving a press conference to announce a new Covid-19 map and most probably further restrictions, particularly in major cities where the virus is "actively circulating".
It was due to start at 7pm French time, so we are just waiting for the minister to arrive...
So while waiting...the usual caveat: I will be trying to do a simultaneous translation, so apologies in advance if some tweets are clumsily worded.
And here he is...
And here he is...
Olivier Véran: says he's going to tell us how it is in the country and what the government is going to do in an exercise of "complete transparency".
This situation is globally getting worse and in some areas the pressure on hospitals requires supplementary measures.
This situation is globally getting worse and in some areas the pressure on hospitals requires supplementary measures.
OK so the direct transmission has gone down....
The circulation of virus is rising strongly. New cases is on constant rise and will top 100 per 100,000 population in coming day.s
R number is more than 1, only slightly over 1 but still over and Veran says efforts must be made to reduce it.
R number is more than 1, only slightly over 1 but still over and Veran says efforts must be made to reduce it.
Number of positive tests important.
5% last week, this week it is 6.14%.
Number of patients in i/c is now at 19% and situation is "worrying". There are 6,000 patients in hospital and admissions rate is now around 600 aday.
5% last week, this week it is 6.14%.
Number of patients in i/c is now at 19% and situation is "worrying". There are 6,000 patients in hospital and admissions rate is now around 600 aday.
OK. Forget simultaneous translation...you'll have to settle for notes as he's speaking too quickly!
There has been a doubling of number of hospital admissions in Paris region in last week.
At current rate 40% of region's hospital beds filled by Covid-19 patients by 10 October.
There has been a doubling of number of hospital admissions in Paris region in last week.
At current rate 40% of region's hospital beds filled by Covid-19 patients by 10 October.
There have been 1,000 hospital admissions in the Ile de France in the last seven days.
"It's time to act...to protect our hospitals and i/c. If we don't act rapidly we will reach critical situation in some regions".
Mentions Auvergne as a possible critical case.
"It's time to act...to protect our hospitals and i/c. If we don't act rapidly we will reach critical situation in some regions".
Mentions Auvergne as a possible critical case.
The problem is also avoiding the cancellation of other essential operations including those for cancer.
Says he's delivering a "solemn message" to all. "respect barrier gestures, protection measures, wash hands, and reduce social interactions in public and private spheres".
Says he's delivering a "solemn message" to all. "respect barrier gestures, protection measures, wash hands, and reduce social interactions in public and private spheres".
"You cannot be vigilant in metro...they let it go in a bar or with your family. Don't multiply dinners, don't go out several times with different people..."
Reduce number of people you see. "Some pays talk of social bubbles...this is a key to control the virus".
Reduce number of people you see. "Some pays talk of social bubbles...this is a key to control the virus".
Says the government has a territorial approach in the fight against the virus with measures adapted to the geographic situation. Aimed at reduce and regulate activities that encourage circulation of the virus. Says govt. is not deciding from "on high" but consulting locally.
Circulation of the virus is strong in areas of dense population: departments being classed on 3 indicators
1. Level of incidence
2. Incidence among ages
3. Number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals and i/c units.
1. Level of incidence
2. Incidence among ages
3. Number of Covid-19 patients in hospitals and i/c units.
Sorry 2 should be incidence among the elderly
In "red" areas, prefects can take decisions on "proportionate" measures to control the virus.
Véran is now going into details of how the "zones" are being decided.
Véran is now going into details of how the "zones" are being decided.
Véran: "For each of these zones, prefects will decide on measures in coordination with local officials. Decisions taken each week and will last 14 days."
Alert zone: "active circulation of virus" >50 per 100,000 people. Prefect can take whatever measures they feel "pertinent".
Alert zone: "active circulation of virus" >50 per 100,000 people. Prefect can take whatever measures they feel "pertinent".
All gatherings, family or otherwise must not be more than 30 people.
Alert reinforced zone: >150 cases per 100,000 "very intense circulation of virus". Strong measures now necessary to put brake the virus. Marseille, Bordeaux, Guadeloupe, Nice and Lyon have these measures.
Alert reinforced zone: >150 cases per 100,000 "very intense circulation of virus". Strong measures now necessary to put brake the virus. Marseille, Bordeaux, Guadeloupe, Nice and Lyon have these measures.
Paris, Lille, Grenoble will have stronger measures from Saturday.
•1,000 max people at events.
*No local or student fetes
*No more than 10 people gathered in public place (beach park)
*Early closure of bars (to be decided by prefect) announced on Monday.
*Sports halls closed
•1,000 max people at events.
*No local or student fetes
*No more than 10 people gathered in public place (beach park)
*Early closure of bars (to be decided by prefect) announced on Monday.
*Sports halls closed
*All local halls, association halls closed from Monday.
Details to be thrashed out with local officials in next 48 hours.
(Other cities/towns will also be subject to these strict regulations)
Details to be thrashed out with local officials in next 48 hours.
(Other cities/towns will also be subject to these strict regulations)
Homeworking to be encouraged where possible.
• private gatherings to be limited. All private gatherings without mask should be avoided as much as possible.
Here is a screenshot of the map where these new restrictions will be enforced. (sorry about quality)
• private gatherings to be limited. All private gatherings without mask should be avoided as much as possible.
Here is a screenshot of the map where these new restrictions will be enforced. (sorry about quality)
Special measures must be taken to protect elderly.
"If situation doesn't improve in other areas (Tours, Strasbourg, Dijon and Clermont Ferrant) they will have restrictions imposed.
"If situation doesn't improve in other areas (Tours, Strasbourg, Dijon and Clermont Ferrant) they will have restrictions imposed.
We're on to the "Zone Alerte Maximale", highest alert zone: where cases are >250 per 100,000 population.
Guadaloupe and Aix/Marseille are highest alert zones.
Véran says there has been an improvement recently in Marseille, if this reduction continues in next few days...
Guadaloupe and Aix/Marseille are highest alert zones.
Véran says there has been an improvement recently in Marseille, if this reduction continues in next few days...
...Marseille alert will be reviewed.
"New measures will be introduced from Saturday...they are difficult I realise, but we are convinced they are necessary".
•total closure of bars and restaurants
•closure of all public buildings except where health protocol exists
"New measures will be introduced from Saturday...they are difficult I realise, but we are convinced they are necessary".
•total closure of bars and restaurants
•closure of all public buildings except where health protocol exists
(theatres, cinemas can remain open).
*sports clubs to close
These measures are temporary for two weeks and are "only way to slow the virus".
All the closed businesses, will be financially supported.
*sports clubs to close
These measures are temporary for two weeks and are "only way to slow the virus".
All the closed businesses, will be financially supported.
Veran: "if situation worsens in these territories, we will have to put these areas in a state of health emergency. We will have no other choice".
Resume: "situation particularly worrying in Guadeloupe and Marseille".
Measures will be in place for 15 days and reviewed weekly
Resume: "situation particularly worrying in Guadeloupe and Marseille".
Measures will be in place for 15 days and reviewed weekly
Véran stresses importance that people to maintain protection measures in public and at home.
Minister is now taking questions.
Minister is now taking questions.
Perhaps the most controversial announcement is the closure of all bars and restaurants in Marseilles.
In Paris, bars are to be ordered to close at a certain hour, but Véran says the details, ie exactly what time they must shut, are being discussed and will be announced in the next few days.
Véran says there are to be new testing centres where those with symptoms or at risk can get rapid tests with quick results.
He is asked about a new "national lockdown". "We will do everything to avoid a lockdown even local or regional... that is why we have these measures...
He is asked about a new "national lockdown". "We will do everything to avoid a lockdown even local or regional... that is why we have these measures...
"...to avoid a situation where the hospitals are under too much pressure. I do not envisage a general lockdown...this is why we must be careful and vigilant".
Being asked about Roland Garros/ French Open. Why different rules for tennis fans?
Being asked about Roland Garros/ French Open. Why different rules for tennis fans?
"I've already said there will be consultation between prefect and local officials..."
Question about Marseille bar closures.
This takes effect from Monday 28 September.
Question about Marseille bar closures.
This takes effect from Monday 28 September.
All bars throughout the country to close at 22.00 (10pm), but local prefects can order them to close earlier.
