The sailors of a ship moored in Le Havre tested positive for a "derivative of the Indian variant", health authorities indicated on Wednesday, according to the news site 76 Actu and France 3. "Virological investigations carried out on the sample of two samples confirm the presence of a virus derived from the Indian variant, ”explains the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Normandy.
16 cases had been detected while the boat was still at sea and all the sailors had been placed in isolation on April 18 before their arrival in Le Havre, the ARS indicated on May 1.
Once at the dock, the isolation continued in a hotel, "accompanied by strict control".
"The situation is currently under control"
The nine crew members who were in solitary confinement in a hotel, and who had not tested positive, saw their isolation end on May 4.
Three new cases have been confirmed among them, reports 76 Actu.
"They were immediately put in isolation and the six other sailors considered to be at risk contacts remain in quarantine", comments the ARS, which adds: "In view of the follow-up carried out, the crew members had no and have no contact with the outside world.
The situation is currently under control.
"
A few cases of the Indian variant have been detected in metropolitan France, six cases in New Aquitaine after two first cases in Guadeloupe.
Spotted in at least 17 countries, the Indian variant is worrying because of the spectacular deterioration of the health situation in India.
However, nothing proves that he is the only one responsible: according to the WHO, the epidemic explosion in this country is undoubtedly largely fueled by large gatherings of population, without barrier gestures.
