On Tuesday afternoon, Christian Estrosi visited the Ray Senior Center. After a quick tour, the mayor wished to reassure the elderly about the coronavirus. It was an opportunity to remind them of the actions and behavior to adopt to prevent the spread of the epidemic.
The city of Nice has nine Senior Centers where people over 55 can gather to share different activities: choir, yoga, country dance, pottery, etc. That afternoon at Ray, about fifteen members were engaged in bookbinding and silk painting workshops when Christian Estrosi visited them. Proud of their work, the seniors shared their expertise with the city’s mayor before being invited to a round table to discuss the topic of the moment: the coronavirus.
“We must keep calm”
The elderly populations are indeed the most concerned, as they appear more vulnerable to the epidemic of a still little-known virus that is making headlines. Hence the importance for the mayor to come and talk with them about the progression of the phenomenon, which he considers less concerning in the Alpes-Maritimes region (22 cases detected as of March 10), provided that the preventive measures are respected. “Gatherings of more than 1,000 people have been canceled since Monday, but the daily life of our associations, cultural activities, and sports continues,” assures the mayor. With Olivier Guerin, deputy for health of the City of Nice and director of geriatrics at the university hospital, they were able to remind the appropriate behavior to try to curb any spread and thus answer the many questions of the seniors.
Avoid traveling to “at-risk” areas
The questions come quickly. When a lady asks if she can safely travel to Mulhouse the following week, the notion of a cluster arises. A cluster refers to a risk area where a significant number of infected cases are recorded, as is the case in the Haut-Rhin department. “We cannot prevent you from leaving if you wish, however, if you return from an at-risk area, we ask you to stay confined at home for 14 days and not to immediately resume your activities here. Furthermore, the staff is obliged not to accept you if that is the case,” responds Christian Estrosi, calling for reasonable behavior.
A seasonal virus under study
“Seasonal viruses are very common, but what worries us about coronavirus number 19, is that it is new, and we do not yet know all its characteristics,” explains the geriatrician, adding an important and reassuring point: “the virus is benign in 80% of cases, and two-thirds of those infected show no symptoms, hence the need to take these precautions and avoid all physical contact.” Trivial gestures, such as kissing on cheeks or handshakes, so common in France, should be abandoned. We notice this on the street; we hesitate to say hello, but a polite smile does just as well. “We hope that these preventive measures will become a habit in the future to fight against flu epidemics that cause thousands of deaths every year,” admits Olivier Guérin, lamenting the low regard for the flu and the population’s distrust of vaccinations.
Gatherings to avoid, what about the Municipal Elections?
The polling stations will indeed be open this Sunday, March 15, for the municipal elections. Christian Estrosi stated that the necessary measures have been taken to ensure their smooth operation. “Out of our 252 polling stations, not one of the 1,400 poll workers has withdrawn. The stations will be open from 8 AM to 8 PM. We will speed up the queues and provide disposable pens and hydroalcoholic gels.”
