A message from Marie-Anne LEVEQUE, Secretary General and Senior Defence and Security Official, on recommendations to establishments concerning the coronavirus :
As you know, on 31 December 2019, the World Health Organisation (WHO) was informed of several cases of viral pneumonia in the city of Wuhan, China.
On 7 January 2020, the discovery of a new coronavirus, called "2019-nCov", was officially announced by the Chinese health authorities.
At present, the epidemiological situation is continuing to evolve, both in terms of its worldwide geographical distribution and the number of confirmed cases (6 in France at 30 January 2020, no deaths to date).
On 30 January 2020, the WHO officially declared that we are now facing a "public health emergency of international concern".
In France, the public health strategy to protect the population in the event of an epidemic is being implemented by the health crisis centre of the Ministry of Solidarity and Health. The first phase of this plan, which involves taking appropriate measures to limit the introduction of the virus into the country, is already being implemented by the public authorities.
At this stage, there are a number of points to bear in mind:
Basic hygiene measures
The basic hygiene measures (similar to those recommended for seasonal flu, for example) recommended by the Ministry of Solidarity and Health are still fully valid, as they are proving to be effective:
- wash your hands regularly with soapy water or hydro-alcoholic solutions,
- use disposable tissues and wash your hands regularly,
- in the event of symptoms of respiratory infection (fever and cough/difficulty breathing), it is recommended that you wear a surgical mask if you are in contact with other people (to avoid contaminating those close to you),
- contact the Samu Centre 15 with your symptoms, especially if you have recently been to China. Do not go directly to the emergency department.
It's worth remembering that the official website https://www.santepubliquefrance.fr/ reminds that "the wearing of surgical masks is recommended for sick people who have symptoms, i.e. when they cough or sneeze, to avoid spreading the disease by postillons (airborne route). The wearing of this type of mask by people who are not ill to avoid catching the disease is not one of the recommended barrier measures, and its effectiveness has not been demonstrated. Healthcare professionals who are in close contact with patients during treatment are provided with specific protective equipment".
Reminder of the recommendations of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEAE) concerning travel to China
Our two ministries, MENJ and MESRI, are applying the MEAE's recommendations and are asking all the establishments under their supervision or co-supervision to follow these recommendations, which state that "due to the containment measures decided by the Chinese authorities, which include the suspension of transport, it is strongly recommended that all travel to Wuhan and the whole of Hubei province be postponed [...].] In addition, as the measures taken by the Chinese authorities to contain the spread of the virus are evolving day by day, and are having a major impact on transport, accommodation and tourist sites throughout China, it is recommended that all non-essential travel to China be postponed, particularly school trips and exchanges[1], and research and university missions. "
In addition, for other trips abroad, travellers and organisers should follow the recommendations of the Ariane portal.https://pastel.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fildariane/dyn/public/login.html.
These considerations and reminders call for particular attention to be paid to the perimeters of the Ministries of National Education and Youth and Higher Education, Research and Innovation, and are therefore applicable to all establishments over which these ministries exercise supervision or joint supervision.
School trips for pupils, student travel and more generally staff travel as part of their work (teachers, researchers, lecturers, research missions, etc.).
Trips to China should be postponed to a later date.
As far as missions are concerned, it is recommended that researchers and teacher-researchers postpone missions to Hubei province and limit themselves to imperative missions in China.
Students, researchers and teacher-researchers who are currently abroad must comply with the recommendations of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs in conjunction with consular posts.
Reception on French territory of pupils, students and, more generally, staff as part of their work (teachers, lecturers, researchers, research missions, etc.).
As far as young people and adults coming from China (or in contact with people returning from China) are concerned, there is no reason why they should not be welcomed.
However, special care must be taken if they show any symptoms (fever, cough, aches and headaches in particular). In this case, those in charge should isolate them from the group and call the SAMU 15 centre. If the diagnostic test confirms the presence of 2019-nCov, they should follow the procedures laid down by the regional health agency (ARS).
It's worth remembering that the province of Hubei (which includes the city of Wuhan) is currently under quarantine by the Chinese authorities. Commercial air services to the province have been suspended. People currently being repatriated by the French authorities are receiving special medical treatment (quarantine measures on French territory).
In any event, a toll-free number (0 800 130 000) will be available from Saturday 1 February, from 9am to 7pm, to answer any questions that are not purely medical:
Finally, those to whom this letter is addressed will ensure that all the reminders and recommendations contained in this e-mail are forwarded as soon as possible to the heads of public and private establishments (primary and secondary schools, research bodies, universities, higher education establishments) over which they have supervision or joint supervision.
The General Secretary,
Senior defence and security official,
Marie-Anne LEVEQUE