In the port of Le Havre, in 2017. – Charly Triballeau
They are positive for Covid-19, but are they carriers of the Indian variant? Sixteen sailors from a ship moored in Le Havre are currently in solitary confinement in a dedicated hotel in the city, we learned from the Normandy Regional Health Agency (ARS). “The people concerned are the sailors of a ship, where positive cases had been identified while they were at sea. All the sailors were then placed in isolation from April 18 before their arrival in Le Havre (positive cases and contacts at risk) ”, the ARS told AFP.
Isolation on land is “accompanied by strict control”. Out of the entire crew, two sailors will be able to go out this weekend. “Regarding the suspicion of the presence of the Indian variant, at this stage, the ARS of Normandy is in contact with the National Reference Center (CNR) and awaits the results of the sequencing for next week”, she adds. According to information from the local press, the vessel concerned is the Fairway, a Singaporean flagged tanker.
Several cases detected in France
A few cases of the Indian variant have been detected in metropolitan France, three in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, two in Bouches-du-Rhône, 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.