Olivier Véran was visiting Nice this Saturday to provide an update on the health situation in the Alpes-Maritimes.
The Archet hospital was at the center of attention during this sunny weekend. Olivier Véran, Minister of Solidarity and Health, went to Nice to review the alarming health situation in the Alpes-Maritimes. As evidence, the department has the highest incidence rate in France, with a rate of over 700 per 1000 inhabitants in the Nice metropolitan area, compared to 190 at the national level. “Nice is also the metropolis where the viral incidence is the highest in our country. Every day in Nice, 500 people fall ill with Covid,” explains Olivier Véran.
Welcomed at the hospital by boos from caregivers and union members, the minister was accompanied by the mayor of the city of Nice, Christian Estrosi. The two men discussed the upcoming weeks and possible options to prevent the spread of the virus. Despite the arrival of numerous vaccine doses in the coming days, Olivier Véran expressed his concerns: “I fear that this will not be enough and that additional measures will be necessary.” A statement that could suggest a tightening of the rules.
“An intensification of the curfew, or even partial or total confinement”
Olivier Véran could announce new measures in the next 48 hours: “This could take the form of an intensification of the curfew, or even partial or total confinement.” For his part, Christian Estrosi is expected to request strengthened controls to enforce these rules. “If we have to move to partial confinement, or slightly stricter measures in the coming days depending on the evolution of the epidemic, I would support them in the same way,” assures the mayor of the city. Christian Estrosi also mentioned the possibility of a “weekend confinement.” The decision by the elected officials is expected to be made in the coming hours.
Nonetheless, the medical staff were pleased with Olivier Véran’s visit, as highlighted by Professor Jean Dellamonica, who works in the intensive care unit: “The visit, made to the different departments, shows that Covid isn’t just about intensive care. It’s about patients in infectious diseases, in rehabilitation… We are caregivers working hand in hand to move towards the best.” “The situation remains concerning,” concludes Michel Fuentes, general secretary of the health branch of the FO union in the Alpes-Maritimes. “We have difficulties, with the exodus of doctors, nurses… If you want to provide good care to patients, you also need to take care of the caregivers. This is what I told the minister, and this is what I will continue to advocate for.”
