Given the highly evolving nature of the COVID-19 epidemic, the recommendations issued by the French Ministry of Health and Solidarity (MSS) have been updated for people returning from exposure zones, where community transmission of the virus has been described. The MSS has issued recommendations for people returning from China (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau), Singapore, South Korea and the Lombardy and Veneto regions of Italy. As a result, we have received new instructions from our Ministry.
In line with these recommendations, the French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation therefore recommends that its establishments, universities and schools :
Postpone all non-essential departures of students, researchers, lecturers and administrative staff to China.
Recommend that students, researchers, lecturers and staff on mobility programmes in China consider temporarily interrupting their stay until local conditions improve
Postpone all departures to northern Italy in view of the restrictions in place locally (Lombardy and Veneto)
Reconsidering the relevance of a trip to exposure zones
Postpone by 14 days, corresponding to the incubation period of the virus, the reception of students, researchers, lecturers and staff returning from exposure zones (mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Singapore, South Korea and the Lombardy and Veneto regions in Italy) in public areas.
With regard specifically to the reception of students returning from exposure areas in regional university and school centres (CROUS), it is advisable to postpone reception in view of the evolving nature of the situation. Failing that, for a period of 14 days, they should be welcomed in a dedicated area of the facility, wearing a surgical mask when in contact with another person or going out. Restrictions on access to communal areas include the university canteen.
Lastly, as the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation is not only responsible for dealing with the COVID-19 problem in terms of health care, particular attention must be paid to any xenophobic acts that may be linked to the situation. The racism referents must commit to this and implement any measures they deem useful.
As a result, the CNRS has issued the following instructions from now on:
Following the current assessment by the MEAE (see country map), China, Singapore and South Korea are now considered to be countries at risk, and all missions require the prior agreement of the Director of Security. All missions to mainland China (including Hong Kong and Macao), Singapore and South Korea are currently suspended until further notice.
Missions to northern Italy (Lombardy and Veneto) have been suspended due to the restrictive measures introduced by the Italian government.
Anyone returning from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore, South Korea and the Lombardy and Veneto regions of Italy must telework for 14 days after leaving these countries and strictly apply the following instructions:
Wear a surgical mask when you are in front of another person and when you have to go outside;
Wash your hands regularly or use a hydro-alcoholic solution;
Workers/students: as far as possible, avoid close contact (meetings, lifts, canteens, etc.);
Monitor your temperature twice a day;
Watch for symptoms of respiratory infection (coughing, difficulty breathing, etc.);
Avoid all contact with vulnerable people (pregnant women, the chronically ill, the elderly, etc.);
Avoid going to places where there are vulnerable people (hospitals, maternity wards, homes for the elderly, etc.);
Avoid unnecessary outings (large gatherings, restaurants, cinema, etc.).
Children should not be sent to nursery, school, college or secondary school, as it is difficult to wear a mask all day.
In case of fever or feverish feeling, cough, difficulty breathing :
Quickly contact the SAMU centre 15 and report the journey;
Avoid all contact with those around you and keep your mask on;
Do not go directly to the doctor or hospital emergency department.
Reminder: many countries have special instructions due to this virus. People leaving on a mission, whatever their destination, should consult the travel advice for the countries concerned by their trip on the MEAE website right up until the last moment before their departure.