France: COVID-19 death toll exceeds 10,000 as of April 7 /update 16

Event

France's coronavirus disease (COVID-19) death toll rose to 10,328 people as of Tuesday, April 7. According to French health authorities, the number of people who have died in French hospitals after contracting COVID-19 has risen to a cumulative total of 7091. The remainder of the deaths have been reported in nursing homes. Official figures also suggest that the number of COVID-19 related fatalities has risen for the second consecutive day, leading experts to believe that the virus is still spreading in the country. The total number of confirmed coronavirus cases in hospitals is now 78,167, and the number of confirmed or possible cases in nursing homes is 30,902.

The French government announced that the existing lockdown measures in place will be tightened in Paris starting on Wednesday, April 8. Under the measure, individuals are prohibited from partaking in any outdoor sports activities in Paris from 10:00 to 19:00 (local time). The measure applies for all Parisian arrondissements.

Authorities have also implemented an International Circulation Declaration as of Monday, April 6. The Declaration is required for all travelers seeking to transit through French territories and applies to all forms of transportation. Travel between metropolitan France and oversea territories are also affected by the measure.

On Friday, March 27, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced a two-week extension to the ongoing nationwide lockdown, which will now remain in place at least until Wednesday, April 15. Individuals are only permitted to leave their homes for essential duties, such as grocery shopping and medical assistance. Those who violate the directive could face punishment.

Further international spread of COVID-19 is to be expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia.

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by applying an alcohol-based hand rub or washing with soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.