How will "systematic" screening of travelers disembarking in France from an area considered "at risk" be organized? From July 18, in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus in the country, these passengers must "present the result of a biological virological screening examination carried out less than 72 hours before the flight, which does not conclude that they are contaminated with Covid- 19 ". This is what is provided for in a decree of 10 July linked to the end of the state of health emergency.
The list of these "areas of circulation of the infection" is taken by decree of the Minister of Health. In the most recent version, dated July 10, there are many countries, including the United Kingdom, Brazil, and the United States. Two French overseas territories are also concerned: Guyana and Mayotte. Only the European Union states and 22 others are not included.
Fortnight decided by the prefect
If a passenger from one of these countries classified in red cannot present a negative test, or if he shows symptoms of Covid-19, a fortnight or a placement in isolation may be imposed on him by the prefect.
Except that some travelers arriving in France from abroad may not be able to screen before departure. "There are certain countries which do not do this," himself recognized the Minister of Health, Olivier Véran, on Friday July 10, on RMC and BFMTV.
To remedy this, the government plans that tests can also be carried out at French airports. Sunday, government spokesman Gabriel Attal announced that "2,000 PCR tests (via a swab in the nose, Editor's note) per day" will be available soon, and that "forty people" will be mobilized for this mission. "People who have taken a test in their country of origin will not have to repeat it in France (but) will have to provide proof of this test," he said on BFMTV.
But what will happen while waiting for the result, which can last several hours? Will the passenger have to isolate himself at the airport? For the moment, it's unclear. “It is strongly recommended at this stage to carry out a test before returning to France from a red zone. Work bringing together all the players in the field is underway to put in place the appropriate systems, in particular within the airport zones, and this to be ready on July 18, ”said the Directorate General of Health (DGS) on Monday. , interviewed by Le Parisien.
Saliva tests coming soon?
A solution could come from saliva tests, the verdict of which is known more quickly (often, in less than an hour). Olivier Véran also “wishes” to set it up at French airports. But the tests are "brand new, still under qualification" and should not be available until "in the next few days," he said on Friday. It is not yet known whether they can be implemented from July 18.
The fact remains that "we cannot force someone to have a test," recognized the Minister of Health himself. "It would be problematic to want to impose a test because it would be contrary to the principle of consent to care," points Serge Slama, professor of public law at the University of Grenoble-Alpes. The DGS ensures, for its part, that the systems being developed "will not be coercive, but will be based on the sense of responsibility of each and everyone, to protect themselves and others."
"Voluntary" screening in several departments
It is also the same in the departments where massive screening campaigns are organized due to the census of many new cases, as in Mayenne in recent days. In the field, doctors and health insurance representatives are responsible for setting up test areas and informing the population.
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Those concerned can also receive, by mail, a "voucher" which allows them to be tested free of charge and without having to go through a doctor to get a prescription. “There is no mandatory nature. It is based on volunteering. A communication approach is implemented by the health authorities ", ensures the DGS, which welcomes" good support from the population ". Hopefully this will happen as well, from July 18, for plane passengers.
