Should we fear a second epidemic wave ?
Now that we are confronted with the reality of deconfinement, we are thinking about ways to live with COVID-19. The epidemic has awakened our most primitive fears, the big bad wolf is everywhere and at the same time difficult to spot. So, anything close to our daily life, outside the home, is considered, often exaggerated, as "potentially" dangerous. By warning of the risk of the second wave of epidemics, doctors have thus highlighted a "super danger" and have crystallized in our minds all the fear around him. We do not know what it is but we can name it and therefore better control it.
What can we learn from China?
China reported the highest number of new daily coronavirus cases in nearly six weeks, driven by a rise in infected travelers arriving from overseas and underscoring challenges Beijing faces in preventing a second wave of COVID-19. A total of 108 new coronavirus cases were reported on Sunday, up from 99 a day earlier and marking the highest number of cases since 143 cases were reported on March 5.
The total number of confirmed cases in mainland China now stands at 82,160, while the death toll rose by two to 3,341. The National Health Commission said on Monday that 98 of the new cases were imported involving people entering China from another country, a new record and up from 97 a day earlier. The number of asymptomatic cases fell to 61 from 63 a day earlier. Though the number of daily infections has dropped sharply from the height of the epidemic in February, China has seen the daily toll creep higher after hitting a trough on March 12 as the virus spread globally. Beijing is concerned that infected people entering the country could trigger a second wave and push the country back into a state of near paralysis. The northeast Heilongjiang province, which borders Russia, reported 56 new cases — 49 from Russia.
What about Europe ?
Russia has now identified more COVID cases than China. On May 4, the largest increase in new infections was reported in one day: + 10,500 cases. Moscow is hit hard with about half of the country's cases. Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended the period of confinement until at least May 11. According to a study published by Public Health Expertise on Wednesday, in the absence of reinforced protection measures for fragile people, resuscitation capacities will again be saturated by the end of July. And this, despite the wearing of the generalized mask and social distancing which would still reduce the risk of contamination by 75%, reports Le Monde.
To avoid such a situation which would inevitably lead to the establishment of a new period of confinement, the study authors advise people over the age of 65, or with risk factors, to "limit their contacts and their outings until the end of the year ".
Lifted confinement measures: yes or no?
Governments in Europe for the most part have released the final details of their deconfinement plan. However, the lifting of restrictions from May or June in certain countries should not be a sign of a relaxation of our vigilance.
What is the advice of the W.H.O ?
If you feel sick you should rest, drink plenty of fluid, and eat nutritious food. Stay in a separate room from other family members, and use a dedicated bathroom if possible. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
Everyone should keep a healthy lifestyle at home. Maintain a healthy diet, sleep, stay active, and make social contact with loved ones through the phone or internet. Children need extra love and attention from adults during difficult times. Keep to regular routines and schedules as much as possible.
It is normal to feel sad, stressed, or confused during a crisis. Talking to people you trust, such as friends and family, can help. If you feel overwhelmed, talk to a health worker or counselor.
