France: Government confirms 509 deaths in 24 hours April 1 /update 14

Event

On Wednesday, April 1, France has recorded 509 coronavirus (COVID-19)-related fatalities in a 24-hour period, representing the largest recorded increase of deaths in a single day since the beginning of the pandemic in the country. As of April 1, the Health Ministry has confirmed 56,989 COVID-19 cases nationwide including 4,023 deaths, and 10,935 recoveries. To date, the number of cases continues to increase significantly across Europe where Italy, Spain, Germany, and France have surpassed 50,000 confirmed cases. Transportation services continue to experience significant disruption, and lockdowns have also been introduced across the continent, as officials attempt to contain COVID-19.

On Friday, March 27, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced a two-week extension to the ongoing nationwide lockdown. The restrictions, which were set to expire on Tuesday, March 31, will remain in place 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 spread of the virus 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 COVID-19 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.