Health crisis: Government appeals for vigilance and compliance

©Direction de la Communication / Michael Alesi - Autour de S.E.M. Pierre Dartout, Ministre d’Etat, Patrice Cellario, Conseiller de Gouvernement-Ministre de l’Intérieur, Didier Gamerdinger, Conseiller de Gouvernement-Ministre de la Santé et des Affaires sociales, Benoîte de Sevelinges, Directrice du CHPG

On Monday 9 November, Minister of State Pierre Dartout, Minister of Health and Social Affairs Didier Gamerdinger and Minister of the Interior Patrice Cellario gave a press briefing on developments in the health situation, one week after the curfew was introduced.

The Government stressed the need for everyone to step up and the importance of complying with public health preventive measures.

While the incidence rate in the Principality, at more than 315, is below the rates in France and Italy, it has nonetheless risen significantly compared with previous weeks.

Initial reports suggest that 85% of the population is complying with the requirement to wear a mask. The Government would like to see this figure increase, and the Police Department will be carrying out more checks.

Last weekend, more than 90 offences for failure to wear a mask were recorded, along with 25 for failure to comply with distancing guidelines and 26 for breaches of the curfew.

Every week, between 1,800 and 1,900 people are tested in the Principality. While PCR tests remain the best way to detect COVID-19 infections, the Government is also keen to promote the use of additional tools such as antigen tests.

There are currently 19 people infected with the coronavirus at Princess Grace Hospital, 13 in the COVID Unit and three in intensive care. Eighty-seven people are being monitored by the Home Patient Follow-Up Centre, which offers medical support to those with minor symptoms who are asked to self-isolate at home.