In response to the rapid rise of COVID-19 cases in the Mulhouse area—now at 81 confirmed infections, an eightfold increase in just 48 hours—the prefect of Haut-Rhin has introduced exceptional measures to curb the virus's spread.
France's latest official update this Friday reported 577 cases nationwide and nine deaths, with Haut-Rhin remaining the most affected region at 81 confirmed cases Thursday evening. Many infections trace back to a large religious gathering in Mulhouse from February 17-24, attended by over 2,000 people.
To contain the outbreak, the prefecture has implemented several targeted directives, announced Friday at a press conference in Colmar by Prefect Laurent Touvet. Joining him were Elisabeth Laporte, Rector of the Strasbourg Academy; Virginie Cayré, Deputy Director General of the Grand Est Regional Health Agency; and Corinne Krencker, director of the Mulhouse Sud Alsace hospital group, with her head of emergencies.
The department is at stage 2 to slow disease progression, but Prefect Touvet described it as a "reinforced" stage 2, with these key restrictions:
– Gatherings of more than 50 people prohibited in enclosed spaces (exemptions include shops, businesses, bars, restaurants, public transport, and family ceremonies).
Additional prohibitions:
– Public meetings and worship services
– Sporting events, except those held without spectators
– Visits by minors to health facilities and establishments for the elderly or disabled
Schools with confirmed sick students or teachers, plus any facilities attended by children from the Mulhouse gathering, are ordered closed immediately. The full list will be published Friday afternoon.
ARS representative Virginie Cayré emphasized that only severe cases will be hospitalized to ease pressure on facilities. Milder cases will receive home care from primary physicians, supplied with masks and protective gear.
The ARS urges calling 15 (emergency services) only for confirmed symptoms.
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