Olivier Véran, Minister of Health, asked the French not to rush into PCR and antigen tests, before the family reunion for the end of year celebrations.
Indeed, while it can be reassuring, the test can also lead to tricky behavior.
First, there is a risk of “overprotection”, ie a person who is not yet sufficiently contagious can test negative, while still being a carrier of the virus.
In this case there is a risk of transmission if we no longer respect the barrier gestures.
"The danger would be that 20 people who share a meal for Christmas decide to be tested and, in confidence, meet at the table, stop the barrier gestures, do not wear the mask, share the same home for several days with fragile people thinking that he is not risking anything, when in reality the virus is there and the risk of transmission is real ", he explained, supporting his point with this formula:" Do not use the test as a kind of immunity totem.
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On the other hand, there is a real risk of overcrowding laboratories, doctors and pharmacies if all French people decide to be tested in the coming days.
"It is a risk for all those who really need it, such as patients or contact cases", concludes Olivier Véran.
