PARIS (FRANCE) – The top scientific body of the French government has warned that a second wave of the pandemic is “highly likely” to hit the country in the autumn or winter. This comes as the authorities are struggling to contain the spurt in new cases over the past two weeks.
Although strict lockdowns kept the infection rates low in many European countries, they are now witnessing a second wave following the easing of curbs to restart the economy.
“The situation is precarious and we could at any moment tip into a scenario that is less under control, like in Spain,” the French scientific committee said.
“It is highly likely that we will experience a second epidemic wave this autumn or winter,” it said, adding there could be a return of the pandemic if people do not stick to social distancing.
Authorities have already started taking preventive measures with Lille and Nice ordering residents to wear masks in busy streets.
President Emmanuel Macron, who is holidaying at his summer residence of Bregançon on the Mediterranean coast, is slated to travel to Toulon later in the day to meet social workers who are taking care of the elderly.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field
