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Mar

2021

Covid-19 Bulletin no. 38 – Latest Restrictions in France

Welcome to our thirty-eighth bulletin during the Coronavirus epidemic. In this issue we have information about:

Virus still spreading across Europe, but not as quickly as feared
Three new departments under stricter restrictions – not Herault or Aveyron
Astra Zeneca vaccine approved in France

French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on Thursday 4 March the following updates on Covid 19 in France:

The Virus is still spreading across Europe, but not as quickly as was feared.
Three new departments have been added to the 20 already under stricter restrictions (including weekend lockdowns), but these do not include the Herault or Aveyron, nor any departments adjacent to us.
As of 1 March, the AstraZeneca vaccination has been approved for use in
people between 50 and 74, with comorbidities. It appears that some GPs are being flexible about the definition of “comorbidities”. Please check with your GP to check the situation locally.
AstraZeneca has been approved to be administered from pharmacies. It joins the Pfizer-BioNtec and Moderna brands which are available at centres with appropriate cold storage.
As from 15th March, people over 50 with comorbidities (ie, other underlying health conditions) will be able to be vaccinated in pharmacies with the AstraZeneca brand.
People aged 50-74 without comorbidities will eligible for the vaccine as from mid-April.

Cancer Support France-Languedoc (CSF-L), Covid-19 response

CSF-L continues to support English speakers touched by cancer in the Hérault and Aveyron, as well as extending support to people touched by Covid-19 during the crisis. In line with guidance, this is done at distance. Our Helpline can be reached on 04 67 44 87 06. (This is a voicemail service and we aim to return calls within 24 hours of a message being left).

If there is information you would like to share with others, please contact us using our email address: feedback.csflanguedoc@gmail.com

We hope you stay safe and well.

Feb

2021

Annual General Meeting

Our Annual General Meeting is taking place this Thursday, 18th February at 2.30 pm via Zoom.

This year voting is online.

If you are not a member of CSF-Languedoc and would like to become a member, or need help attending via Zoom and/or voting, please contact Jackie at secretary.csflanguedoc@gmail.com.

Feb

2021

Covid-19 Bulletin no. 37

Welcome to our thirty-seventh bulletin during the Coronavirus epidemic. In this issue we have information about:
-PM Castex’s latest announcement about C-19 restrictions in France
-Shopping centres closed in the Herault
-New advice about masks
-Further advice on vaccinations Information about GHIC and EHIC cards

Prime Minister’s Announcement
At 8pm on Friday 29 January 2021 French Prime minister Jean Castex made the following announcement relating to Covid 19 and the restrictions in France:

The pandemic continues to be severe in France. The R rate (the rate of reproduction of the virus) is 1.12 and 60% of intensive care beds are full of Covid patients. PM Castex is offering one last chance to avoid another lockdown and invites people to continue to be vigilant. The 6pm curfew across France will remain in place for the time being He is not ruling out another lockdown in future An almost total ban on travel to and from non-EU countries has been introduced (this includes the UK) Those traveling between EU countries are required to produce a negative Covid 19 test – this is compulsory Businesses are encouraged to increase opportunities for employees to work from home Non-food shops over 20,000 square metres are to shut from Monday.

Shopping centres closed in the Herault
The following shopping centres are closed, with only the food shops and pharmacies remaining open. In addition, click and collect services are suspended but deliveries are authorised.

Montpellier The Odysseum shopping centre. The Polygone shopping centre, Béziers The Polygone shopping centre. The Auchan shopping centre (Auchan itself remains open) Lattes The Carrefour shopping centre (Carrefour itself remains open)..
Those shops permitted to open are required to enforce limits on customer numbers, and the police are being requested to enforce the rules.
Lycees will remain open.

Masks
There is new advice (though this is not a compulsory directive) on the types of face mask which provide the most protection – particularly from the UK variant of the virus, an announcement on 19 January said.

It is suggested that cloth masks provide insufficient protection and, if you wear a cloth mask you should additionally wear a paper surgical mask.

An alternative would be to use a professional FFP2 mask which are now easily available to buy on the internet at 1 euro each. Use this link to purchase yours. https://www.medisafe.fr/produits-d-hygiene/usage-unique/masque/masques-ffp2.html

Vaccinations
Those aged 75 or over, or with conditions which cause vulnerabilities, are eligible for a vaccine.

Despite the much publicised shortage of vaccines, it is still possible (though challenging) to get appointment via www.sante.fr.

The Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) – a summary of post-Brexit Arrangements
Here we bring you up to date on current information and outline how you are covered from 1 January 2021 for health care that becomes medically necessary during a stay in another EU country or in the UK.

For those who live in the UK, the current EHIC card has been replaced by a new GHIC card.

People living in the UK will be able to use their existing EHICs until they expire, at which point they will apply for the new GHIC. The GHIC offers almost the same cover as the previous EHIC, but with one difference; unlike the EHIC it can’t be used in Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Switzerland.

For UK nationals living in Europe, the EU-issued EHIC will continue to be valid if you travel to the UK, as well as in other EU states, as it is now. Nothing will change for you and you do not need to take any specific action.

A reminder that the EHIC only covers the cost of treatment which becomes medically necessary during your stay outside your host country. This includes: emergency treatment and visits to A&E treatment for a long-term or pre-existing medical condition routine medical care for pre-existing conditions that need monitoring oxygen and kidney dialysis Some treatments need to be pre-arranged with the relevant healthcare provider in the country you are visiting, for example kidney dialysis or chemotherapy.

You will be reimbursed on the same basis as a national of the country you’re visiting. This means that in some countries you may need to pay a proportion of the cost of the health care you receive.
For more information, see the UK Government’s page. https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/healthcare-abroad/apply-for-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/

Cancer Support France-Languedoc (CSF-L), Covid-19 response

CSF-L continues to support English speakers touched by cancer in the Hérault and Aveyron, as well as extending support to people touched by Covid-19 during the crisis. In line with guidance, this is done at distance. Our Helpline can be reached on 04 67 44 87 06. (This is a voicemail service and we aim to return calls within 24 hours of a message being left).

If there is information you would like to share with others, please contact us using our email address: feedback.csflanguedoc@gmail.com

We hope you stay safe and well.

Feb

2021

Covid-19 Bulletin no. 36

Welcome to our thirty-sixth bulletin during the Coronavirus epidemic. In this issue we have information about: Are you eligible for a vaccination as a high risk patient? How to get a vaccination How to use Doctolib to book your test List of Vaccination centres in the Herault What is a PCR Test? Are you eligible for a vaccination as a high risk patient? If you are a cancer patient currently receiving chemotherapy, you are eligible for a free vaccination. The other high-risk categories are: people with severe chronic kidney disease, including dialysis patients; people with solid organ transplants; people with stem cell transplantation; people with chronic multiple pathologies and with at least two organs failing; people suffering from certain rare diseases and particularly at risk in the event of infection (specific list drawn up by the COS and the rare diseases health sectors); people with Down’s syndrome. See below for instructions on how to book your test, or speak to your Active Listener to arrange help.
How to get a Vaccination- available to those over age 75 and those with high-risk health problems Appointments can be made at your nearest vaccination centre online as from 08h00 on Friday15 January via the government website – www.sante.fr – the link provides full information. You may prefer to use other websites for appointments such as – Doctolib, Maiia or Keldoc. Feedback indicates that using these sites can be quicker and more straitghforward. Instructions for making an appointment on Doctolib are shown below. Online appointments can be made on your behalf by a third party if you do not have internet access. The address and telephone number of your nearest vaccination centre can be obtained from your GP, your local pharmacy or in the local newspaper. You can make an appointment in one of the vaccination centres to receive the first dose of the vaccine if: You show no symptoms of current infection You have not been in contact with anyone infected in the last 7 days You have not been given another type of vaccination during the last 14 days. You have no history of severe allergies. A national telephone number – 0800 009 110 – is available. This number will be available from 06h00 to 22h00 and calls will be transferred to your nearest vaccination centre. For the second dose of the vaccine, the vaccination centre where you received the first dose will give you an appointment. Because of the high demand, it will not be possible to use the online service to book an appointment for the second dose. How to use Doctolib to book your vaccination Doctolib is an online appointment service. Click here to go to the site. https://www.doctolib.fr

Step 1 After you have clicked on the link you will be taken to the page illustrated below.

Step 2 In the left box ‘COVID-19 vaccination let’s go’, click on the blue box, ‘MAKE AN APPOINTMENT’. This will open a box entitled ‘Preferred location?’. Type in the first two letters of your nearest town or city and select from the list of places that appears (see list below for towns with testing centres). Select your centre. This will bring up details of that centre together with a map and the box “Book your appointment online” as shown below:

Having clicked on ‘MAKE AN APPOINTMENT’ continue to fill in the details requested – Under ‘2 Reason for Consultation select ‘1st Covid-19 vaccine injection’ Then under ‘3 Select appointment’ select the date and time you would like to have your appointment (use ‘SEE MORE SCHEDULES’ for more dates and times). AT THIS POINT you may have a message saying ‘All vaccination appointments have already been booked. New availabilities will be available in the coming days.’ When you have selected your appointment, the following screen will appear – you now need to register or log in (if you already have a Doctolib account.) Once you have registered (or logged in), you will be able to confirm your appointment.

Use this link to help you to register with Doctolib. https://www.doctolib.fr/help?origin=help-desktop#section=0&article=0 or ask your Active Listener for help.

CSF-L has developed a guidance note to help you to register which you will find on the Members page of our website shortly.
List of Vaccination centres in the Herault Ganges : clinique Saint-Louis Saint-Martin-de-Londres : salle des Rencontres Saint-Clément-de-Rivière : clinique du Pic-Saint-Loup Lunel : hôpital La Grande-Motte : centre culturel (non permanent) Vailhauquès : service départemental d’incendie et de secours Saint-Jean-de-Védas : clinique Saint-Jean Sète : centre de vaccination, route de Cayenne Pézenas : hôpital Agde : hôpital Saint-Loup Béziers : salle Zinga Zanga Cessenon : maison de santé (non permanent) Olonzac : centre de secours des pompiers (non permanent) Saint-Pons-de-Thomières : centre de secours des pompiers Clermont-l’Hérault : centre hospitalier Lodève : maison de santé publique du Lodévois Gignac : lieu à arrêter Castelnau-le-Lez : clinique du Parc Montpellier CHU maison médicale de garde de la rue des Tourterelles centre Bouisson-Bertrand clinique du Millénaire centre municipal de vaccination, 2 place Paul-Bec For more information, click on this link. https://www.midilibre.fr/2021/01/13/coronavirus-le-biterrois-se-prepare-a-la-vaccination-9307903.php

What is a PCR Test? PCR testing for Covid-19 is considered the “gold standard” in SARS-CoV-2 detection. This test detects RNA (or genetic material) that is specific to the virus and can detect the virus within days of infection, even in those who have no symptoms. It requires a sample from the most accessible place where the concentration of virus is the greatest, that is to say the nasopharynx, behind the nostrils. This is the level of test required for any non-EU national (British included) travelling into France.
Cancer Support France-Languedoc (CSF-L), Covid-19 response CSF-L continues to support English speakers touched by cancer in the Hérault and Aveyron, as well as extending support to people touched by Covid-19 during the crisis. In line with guidance, this is done at distance. Our Helpline can be reached on 04 67 44 87 06. (This is a voicemail service and we aim to return calls within 24 hours of a message being left).

If there is information you would like to share with others, please contact us using our email address: feedback.csflanguedoc@gmail.com

We hope you stay safe and well.

Feb

2021

Covid-19 Bulletin no. 35

Welcome to our thirty-fifth bulletin during the Coronavirus epidemic. In this issue we have information about:

The tightening of the curfew throughout France
Rules for entering France from a non-EU country
Heightened measures for schools and universities
Vaccination programme in France available to those over age 75 and those with high-risk health problems
List of Vaccination centres in the Herault

The tightening of the curfew throughout France

Although the number of daily positive tests is dropping, they are still four times greater than the government’s target of 5,000 per day. The Christmas/New Year celebrations did not lead to a spike in infections but the virus is still active and hospitals are still under pressure. The new British variant of the virus is more contagious (although it does not lead to more serious health problems).

The following measures will be effective from Saturday 16th January 2021:

There will be a national curfew between 18h00 and 06h00 from Saturday 16^th January 2021 for at least 2 weeks.
All public places, including shops, will have to shut at 18h00.
New exemption certificates will be necessary after 18h00 for returning home from work or picking up children from school.
Should the situation worsen, the possibility of a new lockdown is not ruled out.

Rules for entering France from a non-EU country

It will be compulsory for anyone entering France from a non-EU country to show a negative Covid-19 test (PCR test not the quick turnaround test).
New arrivals will be required to self-isolate for 7 days and show another negative test at the end of that period.

Heightened hygiene measures in schools and universities.

New measures will be put in place to reduce the possibility of pupils mingling with other classes during mealtimes.
Interior sporting activities, both in school and non-school are suspended until further notice.
Lycées (sixth form colleges) will continue to use a mixture of home learning and physical attendance in class.
Universities – classes in groups of half the normal size will re-start from 25th January 2021.

For further information on the rules from 16th January, click here: https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus

Vaccination programme in France available to those over age 75 and those with high-risk health problems

The vaccination programme is now extended to over-75s and high risk patients. As from Monday 18th January, people over age 75 and those at high risk can request vaccination. For people with cancer, they are counted as high-risk if undergoing chemotherapy.
From Monday 18th January there will be more than 700 vaccination centres open nationally. 300,000 people have already been vaccinated.
There will be enough doses available at the end of February to vaccinate 2.5 million more. If new vaccines are approved in the EU and in France, there will be 4 million doses available.
You can make an appointment in one of the vaccination centres to receive the first dose of the vaccine if:

You show no symptoms of current infection You have not been in contact with anyone infected in the last 7 days You have not been given another type of vaccination during the last 14 days. You have no history of severe allergies.

Appointments can be made at your nearest vaccination centre online as from 08h00 on Friday15 January via the government website – www.sante.fr provides full information.
Other websites for appointments are – Doctolib, Maiia or Keldoc
The address and telephone number of your nearest vaccination centre can be obtained from your GP, your local pharmacy or in the local newspaper.
Online appointments can be made on your behalf by a third party if you do not have internet access.
A national telephone number – 0800 009 110 – will be available from Friday 15th January. This number will be available from 06h00 to 22h00 and calls will be transferred to your nearest vaccination centre.
For the second dose of the vaccine, the vaccination centre where you received the first dose will give you an appointment. Because of the high demand, it will not be possible to use the online service to book an appointment for the second dose.

List of Vaccination centres in the Herault

Ganges : clinique Saint-Louis
Saint-Martin-de-Londres : salle des Rencontres
Saint-Clément-de-Rivière : clinique du Pic-Saint-Loup
Lunel : hôpital
La Grande-Motte : centre culturel (non permanent)
Vailhauquès : service départemental d’incendie et de secours
Saint-Jean-de-Védas : clinique Saint-Jean
Sète : centre de vaccination, route de Cayenne
Pézenas : hôpital
Agde : hôpital Saint-Loup
Béziers : salle Zinga Zanga
Cessenon : maison de santé (non permanent)
Olonzac : centre de secours des pompiers (non permanent)
Saint-Pons-de-Thomières : centre de secours des pompiers
Clermont-l’Hérault : centre hospitalier
Lodève : maison de santé publique du Lodévois
Gignac : lieu à arrêter
Castelnau-le-Lez : clinique du Parc

Montpellier

CHU
maison médicale de garde de la rue des Tourterelles
centre Bouisson-Bertrand
clinique du Millénaire
centre municipal de vaccination, 2 place Paul-Bec

For more information, click on this link. https://www.midilibre.fr/2021/01/13/coronavirus-le-biterrois-se-prepare-a-la-vaccination-9307903.php

Cancer Support France-Languedoc (CSF-L), Covid-19 response

CSF-L continues to support English speakers touched by cancer in the Hérault and Aveyron, as well as extending support to people touched by Covid-19 during the crisis. In line with guidance, this is done at distance. Our Helpline can be reached on 04 67 44 87 06. (This is a voicemail service and we aim to return calls within 24 hours of a message being left).

If there is information you would like to share with others, please contact us using our email address: feedback.csflanguedoc@gmail.com

We hope you stay safe and well.

Dec

2020

Virtual Coffee Drop-In

As we have been unable to hold our Drop-In Days these last months, we thought we would hold a Virtual Coffee Drop-In this coming Thursday morning, December 17th.

I’m sorry we can’t actually offer you coffee, or indeed any of the delicious cakes our kitchen team normally produce, but it would be lovely to have a chance to say Hello and maybe have a chat. You can drop in just for a few minutes or much longer; it’s up to you.

To prevent too much overlapping of conversation it is helpful for anyone wanting to talk to raise their hand first as indication, to prevent too much confusion.

For more information, please contact secretary.csflanguedoc@gmail.com.

Dec

2020

Covid-19 Bulletin no. 34 – Revised arrangements for ending of Lockdown

Welcome to our thirty-fourth bulletin during the Coronavirus epidemic. In this issue we have information about:

The easing of lockdown from 15th December
The vaccination programme rollout in France from 1st January 2021

The easing of lockdown from 16th December

Although the number of daily positive tests is dropping, it is now unlikely they will reach the Government’s target of 5,000 per day by 15th December, the planned date for ending the lockdown.

There are some changes to the timetable for ending lockdown:

Lockdown will end on Tuesday, 15th December and a curfew will be in place from Wednesday 16th December. No exemption certificate will be required for being outside the home between the hours of 06h00 and 20h00
Travel between regions of France and outside France will be allowed from 16th December
The curfew will be in place from 20h00 until 06h00
The curfew will be lifted for 24th December 2020
The curfew will NOT be lifted for 31st December 2020
Leaving home during the hours of curfew will only be allowed for the following reasons:
- Professional reasons (travelling to or from work). An attestation from your employer will be necessary
- Imperative family reasons, assisting vulnerable persons, persons in a precarious situation or taking care of children
- Medical reasons
- The needs of household pets
- The needs of a person with a disability and their accompanying person
A new exemption certificate will be published to be used if you need to leave home during the hours of curfew
There will be 65€ fine for breaking the curfew
The Government advises that family gatherings during the holiday period should be limited to 6 adults
Cinemas, theatres, museums, libraries, concert halls, sports venues will NOT reopen until at least 3 weeks after 15th December – i.e. Thursday 7th January 2021
Places of worship: at least 2 empty seats between worshippers – no exemption for Christmas services
Funerals: limited to 30 people
Weddings: limited to 6 people
Bars and cafes: – there is no definite re-opening date
Restaurants – may open from Wednesday 20th January at the earliest but take-aways and deliveries are authorised.
Sports clubs and facilities – will not open before 20th January.

For further information on the rules from 16th December, click here: https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus

The vaccination programme in France from 1st January 2021

Phase 1 – January 2021
The first 1 million doses will be administered to residents and health workers in EHPADs (nursing homes).

Phase 2 – February/March 2021
Depending on sufficient deliveries, 14 million doses will be administered to people at risk, i.e.:

People aged over 75
People aged between 65 and 74
Medical professionals aged over 50 with pre-existing health problems.

Phase 3 – Spring 2021
A campaign of mass vaccination will begin for the rest of the population over the age of 18:

People aged between 50 and 64
Essential workers (security, education, food production)
Vulnerable people and their carers
People living in hostels etc.
The remainder of the population over age 18

The list of pre-existing conditions considered priority for vaccination includes:

Obesity.
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD/English or BPCO/French)
Other chronic respiratory problems.
High blood pressure.
Diabetes 1 and 2.
Kidney insufficiency.
Cancer in the last 3 years.
Transplant patients.
Downs syndrome.

The Prime Minister also revealed that the vaccine would be free and vaccination not compulsory.

Cancer Support France-Languedoc (CSF-L), Covid-19 response

CSF-L continues to support English speakers touched by cancer in the Hérault and Aveyron, as well as extending support to people touched by Covid-19 during the crisis. In line with guidance, this is done at distance. Our Helpline can be reached on 04 67 44 87 06. (This is a voicemail service and we aim to return calls within 24 hours of a message being left).

If there is information you would like to share with others, please contact us using our email address: feedback.csflanguedoc@gmail.com

We hope you stay safe and well.

Nov

2020

Covid-19 Bulletin no. 33

Dear Steve

Welcome to our thirty-third bulletin during the Coronavirus epidemic.

New Attestations required from 28 November until 15 December 2020 From Saturday 28th November 2020, an exemption certificate/Attestation will still be necessary, however these will differ from those which have been in use as they need to reflect the changes in what is allowed (e.g. capacity to exercise outdoors up to 20 kms from home and for a period of up to three hours, attending a religious meeting of up to 30 people etc).

The new attestations in French and in English can be found using the following link :
https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/Actualites/L-actu-du-Ministere/Attestations-de-deplacement?fbclid=IwAR1fU4HwLsbgRFkfONtnH9tdyf0rZ_SIMjIyoZpWpWTKc-M4K7nXK-PhRhQ

Please also remember to carry proof of address on you to evidence you are within the stipulated limits.

Cancer Support France-Languedoc (CSF-L), Covid-19 response CSF-L continues to support English speakers touched by cancer in the Hérault and Aveyron, as well as extending support to people touched by Covid-19 during the crisis. In line with guidance, this is done at distance. Our Helpline can be reached on 04 67 44 87 06. (This is a voicemail service and we aim to return calls within 24 hours of a message being left).

If there is information you would like to share with others, please contact us using our email address: feedback.csflanguedoc@gmail.com

We hope you stay safe and well.

Nov

2020

Covid-19 Bulletin no. 32

Welcome to our thirty-second bulletin during the Coronavirus epidemic. In this issue we have information about:

Three-point de-confinement plan announced by President Macron on 24 November 2020
Pharmacies able to provide prescription medicines for one month beyond the end of the prescription
Free Covid-19 tests without appointments in the Hérault

Three-point de-confinement plan announcement by President Macron on 24 November 2020
At 8pm on Tuesday 24 November, President Macron made an announcement relating to Covid 19 and the plan to reduce restrictions in France.

The second wave seems to have passed its peak, with the number of daily new cases, the number of deaths and the percentage of positive tests all falling slowly, taking pressure off the hospitals. But he stressed that the public must remain vigilant and continue to respect the advice concerning masks, hand sanitiser, social distancing etc.

He announced a three-point plan.

Saturday 28th November 2020

An exemption certificate to leave home will still be necessary.
Walks and outdoor physical exercise can now take place up to 20 kms from home and for a period of up to 3 hours.
Outdoor activities, not connected to schooling, can restart.
Shops and home services can reopen, with strict rules about hygiene and only up to 9pm.
Religious services can restart, with a strict 30 person maximum.

Tuesday 15th December 2020
If the figures continue to drop and reach a level of only 5000 new cases per day:

Lockdown will be lifted and replaced with a curfew between 21h00 and 7h00.
This curfew will not apply for the 24^th December and 31^st December.
Large festive gatherings will still not be allowed.
Cinemas, theatres, and museums will re-open.

Wednesday 20th January 2021
By this date, the effect of the relaxation of lockdown over the holiday period will be known.

If the number of new cases remains below 5000 per day:

Sports facilities can reopen.
Restaurants can reopen.
Lycées currently giving only 50% of lessons in class can reopen fully.
15 days later, the universities can reopen.

Ski resorts
President Macron said it is impossible to consider opening for the end of year holiday period. It will be preferable to consider reopening during the month of January. There will be cooperation with neighbouring countries.

No compulsory vaccination
He confirmed that vaccination will not be compulsory and the campaign of vaccination will start at the end of December/beginning of January, for the most vulnerable people.

Stricter enforcement of isolation
He will be asking Parliament to consider stricter enforcement of isolation of infected people, whilst supporting them with material help, health care and psychological help.

Pharmacies able to provide prescription medicines for one month beyond the end of the prescription
Pharmacies can (following an announcement on 18th November), supply medicines for one month after the expiry date of the prescription, but must inform the prescribing doctor in the following cases:

Chronic illness
Contraceptive pills
Treatment of drug addiction.

This will also apply to home nursing care requiring a doctor’s prescription.

Free Covid-19 tests without appointments in the Hérault
The Hérault department has provided access to free Covid-19 tests in isolated rural areas so that people who find it difficult to attend testing stations in larger towns and cities can obtain a test.

More information is available (in French) using the following link:
https://www.laregion.fr/Proxitest-l-operation-regionale-de-depistage-Covid-19-gratuit-et-sans-rendez-vous

Some of the test dates shown on the Proxitest web page have passed, but others are yet to take place and there will be regular updates on new test dates.

Cancer Support France-Languedoc (CSF-L), Covid-19 response
CSF-L continues to support English speakers touched by cancer in the Hérault and Aveyron, as well as extending support to people touched by Covid-19 during the crisis. In line with guidance, this is done at distance. Our Helpline can be reached on 04 67 44 87 06. (This is a voicemail service and we aim to return calls within 24 hours of a message being left).

If there is information you would like to share with others, please contact us using our email address: feedback.csflanguedoc@gmail.com

We hope you stay safe and well.

Nov

2020

Covid-19 Bulletin no. 31

Welcome to our thirty-first bulletin during the Coronavirus epidemic. In this issue we have information about:

Confinement continuation beyond 1st December 2020 – announcement by Prime Minister Castex on 12 November 2020
TousAntiCovid app – symptoms checker (in French)
Support with shopping – app to find or offer support with shopping in your neighbourhood (in French)

Confinement continuation beyond 1st December 2020 – announcement by Prime Minister Castex on 12 November 2020

At 6pm on Thursday 12 November, French Prime minister Jean Castex made the following announcement relating to Covid 19 and the restrictions in France.

The pandemic continues to be severe in France: up until today 42,500 deaths have been recorded as a result of Covid 19. Currently, 1 in 4 deaths recorded in France are due to Covid 19.

Hospital admissions due to the virus are now higher than they were in April, during the first peak of the virus, but there are still – at the present moment – 7,700 intensive care beds available across France.

Since the beginning of the second Lockdown some signs of improvement have been noted. There has been a 16% reduction in new cases over the last week, although this improvement is “fragile” and needs to be reaffirmed and reinforced with continued vigilance.

Shops re-opening from 1st December

There will be no lifting of the current restrictions for at least the next two weeks. The 1st December provisional deadline for the lifting of restrictions, will only apply to the easing of the rules in relation to shops. Bars, restaurants and sports facilities will remain closed.

For businesses that have had to close since the beginning of the Pandemic, the Government will continue to offer a range of support.

Schools remain open

Lycees, colleges and Ecoles primaires will remain open. There is no change for nursery, primary or secondary schools which remain fully open with compulsory masks from the age of 6 upwards.

Lycees are more complicated because there is more changing of classrooms and hence more mingling. Although it is desirable that there is full attendance at all times, individual lycees are free to put in place a part-time system. But a minimum of 50% attendance at the school will be required with distance learning for the other 50%.

Jobseekers and Benefits – A relaxation of rules

There will be a loosening of the requirements for registering as a jobseeker so that the requirement of having worked 4 months out of the last 27 will be prolonged by the length of the confinement.

The relaxation of rules for claiming benefits is twofold (1) The extra allowance for the minimum 4 months worked before qualifying for unemployment benefit; and (2) extra time allowed for assembilng all the necessary documentation for registering as a jobseeker.

Isolation support for homeworkers

It is encouraged that everyone who can should work from home 5 days a week.

For homeworkers who are feeling isolated, a “Numero Vert” has been created to provide some support.

No big gatherings for Christmas or New Year

The prime minister encourages people to think differently about Christmas this year: planning big parties over the Christmas/New Year period is not an appropriate or reasonable response to the current situation in France

Attestations

The general public will still need an attestation for leaving home even after 1st December.

TousAntiCovid app – symptoms checker (in French)

Today’s feature on TousAntiCovid allows you to check your symptoms. It is a government site and is recommended to all.

This can be found on:
https://mesconseilscovid.sante.gouv.fr/#introduction

To download the TousAntiCovid app for Apple products:
https://apps.apple.com/app/id1511279125

To download the TousAntiCovid app for Android products:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=fr.gouv.android.stopcovid

Support with shopping – app to find or offer support with shopping in your neighbourhood (in French)

An application is available to find or offer support for shopping between people in the same area. The application is run in French.

This application can be found for computers here:
https://courseur.com/

For Apple products here:
https://apps.apple.com/fr/app/courseur-liste-de-courses/id1247793318

For Android products here:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.courseur.app&hl=en

Cancer Support France-Languedoc (CSF-L), Covid-19 response

CSF-L continues to support English speakers touched by cancer in the Hérault and Aveyron, as well as extending support to people touched by Covid-19 during the crisis. In line with guidance, this is done at distance. Our Helpline can be reached on 04 67 44 87 06. (This is a voicemail service and we aim to return calls within 24 hours of a message being left).

If there is information you would like to share with others, please contact us using our email address: feedback.csflanguedoc@gmail.com

We hope you stay safe and well.