If symptoms related to Covid-19 appear, there is no need to call 15 immediately. In which case should you call the Samu 15 or the doctor? When to worry 

How does the SAMU cope with Covid-19?

Currently, with the pandemic of Covid-19, the telephone lines of the SAMU (Urgent medical aid service) are congested. It is therefore not necessary call 15 for symptoms similar to a cold or the flu, even if these are the first symptoms of Covid-19. Indeed, the SAMU has never faced such a number of daily calls, since the start of the pandemic at the end of 2019. To cope with this magnitude, many people are requisitioned, such as retirees from the SAMU, medical students or firefighters, on a voluntary basis. Emergency physicians take the time to differentiate between flu and coronavirus symptoms, which is not easy. The people who call the 15 are really sick, but for many this does not require urgent care. 

When to call SAMU on 15?

Like hospitals and emergency services, the telephone lines of the SAMU are saturated. It is necessary call 15 only in the event of severe symptoms, i.e. when the first difficulty in breathing (dyspnea) occurs, such as shortness of breath or choking. the SAMU will decide how to take care of the patient, in particular if it is necessary to take him urgently to a referring hospital in the department. 

To date, on May 28, 2021, the conditions for calling the 15th are the same as at the start of the epidemic, even if most hospitals in certain regions of France are no longer saturated.

What are the first symptoms of Covid-19?

The first symptoms of Covid-19 are cough, body aches, nasal congestion or headache. Fever can appear after several days, as well as quite severe fatigue. Ageusia (loss of taste) and anosmia (loss of smell) are symptoms of Covid-19. It also turns out that some skin lesions have a connection with the coronavirus. The patient may also have digestive problems. If these symptoms are not accompanied by breathing difficulties, it is advisable to remain confined at home and to monitor the evolution of clinical signs. Obviously, contacting your doctor by phone, first of all, is the reflex to have in case of of suspicion of the coronavirus: this is the advice of the health authorities. It takes rest and regular hand washing. Wearing a mask is recommended to protect members of your household and you should also avoid visiting fragile people. Also, at home, you should stay isolated as much as possible. Avoiding contact and disinfecting everyday objects, such as door handles, as Covid-19 survives on some surfaces, is a good way to protect others. When in doubt and for reassurance, the government has taken steps to answer questions about the new coronavirus. 

Who to call in case of symptoms? 

The government has set up a toll free number 0 800 130 000 to answer questions about the Covid-19 coronavirus, with a 24/24 service. Infected people who do not have breathing difficulties can call this number. A space dedicated to disabled people has been created, as well as a number for the deaf and hard of hearing, with high fever or dyspnea, at 114. 

In addition, the government has published a questionnaire whose purpose is to provide guidance for care, depending on the symptoms and the state of health declared. The advice he provides has no medical value. 

When to contact the doctor? 

Doctors are called upon to take care of patients with the new coronavirus. However, in the event of symptoms of Covid-19, teleconsultation should be favored and especially not to go to your doctor, to avoid infecting other people. Depending on the diagnosis made, the doctor will give directions for what to do next. The doctor will monitor infected patients from a distance and surely recommend taking the temperature daily, while remaining confined.

Guarding against the coronavirus

Covid-19 is transmitted by direct contact (droplets emitted during a cough or sneezing) or indirectly (by contaminated surfaces). Studies show that there is a risk, although lower, of contamination from the air. Even though scientists still lack evidence, they advise remaining cautious, especially in poorly ventilated or closed environments. Droplets emitted by people could hang around for a few minutes. Caution is therefore in order. It is a virus which is very contagious. 

How to avoid being contaminated by Covid-19?

Update April 1, 2021 – Tightened restrictions are introduced throughout the metropolitan area as well as a curfew from 19 p.m. Nurseries and schools are closed for three weeks. Furthermore, the obligation to wear a mask can extend to the whole of a department. This is the case in the North part, the Yvelines and in the Doubs.

Update March 12 – Partial containment on weekends has been established in the agglomeration of Dunkirk as well as in the department of Pas-de-Calais.

Update February 25, 2021 – In the Alpes-Maritimes, the virus is spreading strongly. Partial confinement is in place for the next two weekends in Nice as well as in the towns of the coastal urban area which stretches from Menton to Théoule-sur-Mer. Until March 8, shops over 50 m² are closed (except food shops and pharmacies).

Update January 14, 2021 – According to the Prime Minister, the curfew is advanced to 18 p.m. throughout the metropolitan territory. This measure comes into force on Saturday January 16, 2021 for a minimum period of fifteen days.

The government imposes a second confinement from Friday October 30 until December 15. Authorized exits must therefore be justified by means of the exceptional travel certificate. From that date, confinement can be lifted, if health objectives are met, but it will be replaced by a curfew in mainland France, from 21 p.m. to 6 a.m.

On October 19, a state of health emergency was declared, for the second time, throughout France. A curfew is also imposed, from 21 p.m. to 6 a.m., in Paris, Ile-de-France, in the metropolitan areas of Lille, Lyon, Saint-Etienne, Aix-Marseille, Montpellier, Rouen, Toulouse and Grenoble, for contain the epidemic.

The government has put in place containment measures until April 15, 2020. Barrier gestures must be respected in order to avoid the transmission of the coronavirus. The number of people infected with Covid-19 has been on the rise again since the end of the summer. This is the reason why France more strictly imposes compliance with hygiene and protection measures against Covid-19. Already since July 20, the mask is mandatory in closed environments, such as restaurants, shops, businesses, supermarkets, etc. It remains compulsory in public transport (trains, buses, taxis, etc.). Since August 28, 2020, wearing a mask is mandatory in most cities in France, even outside. It is the prefects or the municipalities that take the decision to impose it. Wearing a mask to fight against coronavirus is taxed everywhere in the following cities: 

• Paris (Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne included);
• Nice ;
• Strasbourg and the municipalities of Bas-Rhin with more than 10 inhabitants;
• Marseille ;
• Re island ;
• Toulouse ;
• Bordeaux ;
• Larressingle ;
• Laval ; 
• Creil;
• Lyon.

The mask is made compulsory in certain open places, such as outdoor markets, in busy streets or neighborhoods in city centers: 

• Troyes ;
• Aix en Provence ;
• La Rochelle;
• Dijon ;
• Nantes ;
• Orléans ;
• Little ;
• Biarritz ;
• Annecy;
• Rouen ;
• or Toulon.

As of February 25, 2021, 13 municipalities in 200 departments are affected by the wearing of compulsory masks outside. 

Facing coronavirus, Italy imposes the mask on children, from the age of 6 years. In France the minimum age to wear a mask is 11 years old. However, children in primary school must wear a category 1 mask, i.e. from the age of 6.

Reminder of barrier gestures