How long will confinement last? How will deconfinement happen? So far, these questions remain without an answer even though WHO recommends gradual deconfinement to avoid a second wave.
In France, we already know confinement is extended to May 11th, as said by French President Emmanuel Macron on April 13 in a new televised address.
In the same address, the Head of State encouraged elderly people, as well as the most vulnerable people and those suffering from chronic diseases to remain confined at home even after May 11th. But when are you considered "elderly" and restricted to confinement longer than the others? So far, the government hasn't address the matter. A plan "within fifteen days" is said to be presented as Emmanuel Macron said in his address before adding "details of the daily life" of the French.
That age, the Haut Conseil de Santé Publique already fixed it in a post this past March 30: "The population of elderly people of over 70 is the most vulnerable public to the covid-19 epidemic" it reads. Health Authorities give more details to our peers at FrancetvInfo that "patients between 50 and 70 years old should be monitored closely". Details from the government with an official age limit is expected to see things in a clearer light.
As for the effective extension of confinement for elderly people, this decision meets European Commission president's saying who was interviewed on April 12 by German newspaper Bild. Ursula von der Leyen spoke about confinement for elderly people in Europe and called to limit contacts with them as much as possible.
“Avoid contact with the elderly without vaccine”. European Commission president thinks confinement for elderly people should be sustained as long as there’s no vaccine.
So far, several clinical trials are carried out to find an effective vaccine against covid-19. About that matter, Ursula von der Leyen thinks a vaccine will not be found before the end of the year.
“Children and young people will enjoy more freedom of movement earlier than elderly people and those with pre-existing medical conditions” she explained before saying she “hope[s]” a vaccine will be developed in a European laboratory “by the end of the year”.
“That is difficult and the isolation weighs heavily, but it is a matter of life and death. We must be patient and disciplined” Ursula von der Leyen said. “We are already talking to manufacturers about global production capacities so that the vaccine can be tested quickly” European Commission President added.
