Name: Second wave looms as France reports more than 12,000 new coronavirus cases
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Second wave looms as France reports more than 12,000 new coronavirus cases

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France reported more than 12,300 new coronavirus cases this week as the infection rate rose to its highest in more than two months, sparking fears of a deadly second wave.Young people have been blamed for failing to maintain social distancing and not wearing masks, perhaps because many think they will not fall seriously ill if they catch Covid-19.Infections are increasing fastest among people under 45, with a 45 per cent increase in the 15-44 age group, compared with 20 per cent for people aged 45 to 64, and five per cent among those aged 65 to 74, according to the public health authorities.The health minister, Olivier Véran, said: “Young people keen to socialise after the isolation of lockdown have often failed to maintain social distancing or wear masks, and I can well understand how they feel."However, it’s not just them. When family or groups of friends who know each well have met up after not seeing each other for a long time, many have forgotten the need to keep their distance, not shake hands or kiss on the cheek. I cannot over-emphasise that it is imperative for everyone to keep following the rules.”The gradual easing of France’s strict lockdown from May 11 triggered a feeling of over-confidence, Mr Véran said. Beach parties and revellers packing into crowded bars set off local surges of infections, especially on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, and several big cities.Paris and Marseille are now on the French authorities' high-risk “red” list and Britain has re-imposed a two-week quarantine on travellers arriving from France from Saturday.If the surge in infections continues, Jean Castex, the prime minister, has warned that France which it could ill afford.The government is renewing appeals for people to observe social distancing and wear masks. Masks are compulsory in indoor public spaces throughout France, and most cities, including Paris and Marseille, have now made them obligatory in the most crowded outdoor areas.Some doctors have suggested that the rise in cases is misleading because France has ramped up testing. Of the roughly 3.5 million tests carried out in the country since the start of the epidemic, some 2.5 million were done in June and July alone. In May, only hospital patients were tested. Now, anyone can get a free test, even without a prescription.&nbsp;However, Mr Véran stressed that increased testing did not explain the surge. “This is a real increase, the signs are worrying and cannot be attributed to testing alone,” he said.France now has more than 330 clusters of infection, more than 30 of which were detected in the past two days. About half of the clusters have been linked with workplaces, according to a report by the Public Health Directorate.This suggests that many infections are being transmitted in factories or offices. A smaller proportion of French people are working from home than in the UK.About a third of the clusters have been linked with public or private gatherings, especially “extended family get-togethers,” according to the report.The number of coronavirus patients in French hospitals is creeping up and now stands at 4,864, including 374 in intensive care. More than two-thirds of intensive care patients are on the Riviera, in the Paris area, in northern France and in French Guiana, which borders Brazil.Pascal Crépey, an epidemiologist at one of France’s largest public health colleges in the western city of Rennes, said: “It is undeniable that the situation is becoming gloomier, but it isn’t dramatic yet. We are better equipped now than we were in March to monitor the epidemic and act in consequence.”&nbsp; &nbsp;Related TopicsThe Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. Please review our.You need to be a subscriber to join the conversation. Find out more.Show commentsAdvertisementRelated TopicsWe rely on advertising to help fund our award-winning journalism.We urge you to turn off your ad blocker for The Telegraph website so that you can continue to access our quality content in the future.Thank you for your support.Need help?Visit ourpage.Close

France reported more than 12,300 new coronavirus cases this week as the infection rate rose to its highest in more than two months, sparking fears of a deadly second wave.Young people have been blamed for failing to maintain social distancing and not wearing masks, perhaps because many think they will not fall seriously ill if they catch Covid-19.Infections are increasing fastest among people under 45, with a 45 per cent increase in the 15-44 age group, compared with 20 per cent for people aged 45 to 64, and five per cent among those aged 65 to 74, according to the public health...

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By David Chazan

David Chazan

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Second wave looms as France reports more than 12,000 new coronavirus cases

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