The French archipelago of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, which had recorded only 16 cases of Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic, has been facing several contaminations since Friday, January 22, which restrict the activity of its only hospital and forced the state high school to close some classes.
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Four positive cases of Covid-19 were identified on Friday by the Territorial Health Administration, announced the prefecture of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.
The first two concern two doctors on mission for a week at the François Dunan Hospital Center in Saint-Pierre.
Another hospital practitioner, as well as his high school son, were infected.
This is the first time that the archipelago has recorded endogenous cases resulting from non-familial transmission.
The two specialist doctors and the emergency physician having been in contact with patients in the days preceding their test, the health authorities have already identified "
at least 65 contact cases
" in the hospital, and in the high school that the fourth identified case attends.
PCR tests began immediately to assess their positivity and will continue on Saturday January 23.
As a precaution, the Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon hospital has invited its non-essential staff to stay at home and has restricted its activity to essential interventions.
Health authorities have also ordered a comprehensive testing campaign among hospital staff, more than 300 people.
In view of the limited local capacities, part of the samples will be sent and analyzed in neighboring Canada, in an approved laboratory in Halifax.
One of the four positive cases being a final year student at the Emile Letournel high school in Saint-Pierre, the National Education services also decided to close the General Terminale classes for two weeks, and re-established the obligation to wear mask for school children six years and older.
To read also: Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon: the prefect imposes a septaine on all arrivals
For security reasons, the authorities have also recommended the cancellation of all sporting and cultural events until further notice and invited the 6,000 residents to limit their social interactions and scrupulously respect barrier gestures.
Bars and restaurants can "
for now
" continue their activities, in this territory where restrictions have been lifted since the end of the first confinement.
