Faced with the escalation of the coronavirus epidemic and the spread of more transmissible variants, mainland France is experiencing another lockdown. The pattern differs from the others: schools close, but people can get outside without derogatory trip certificate within a 10-km radius around their houses. Yet, beyond this limit, they have to prove the necessity of their trips.
Are these measures enough to overcome the health crisis? This Thursday April 8, 2021, the government has gathered again for a defense council. Following the meeting, government spokesman Gabriel Attal unveiled his report earlier this afternoon. He says the first positive effects of lockdown have been noticed in the first 16 departments put on lockdown since March 20, 2021. The new restrictions are paying off, although the situation remains preoccupying in some regions including Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes.
Yet, Attal describes a severe situation within hospitals and calls for permanent vigilance. “We already moved to close to 8,000 beds in ICU and we keep on moving over 10,000”, he claims. For the record, Île-de-France hospitals fear to be soon overwhelmed and saturated: a situation that would force the health workforce to sort patients out.
As an echo to the polemic of clandestine dinners, Attal also stated people with responsibilities must be exemplary. “I do not believe that members of the government might have taken part in clandestine dinners”. Last but not least and on a more positive note, the spokesman says the vaccination pace has indeed increased.
