As the Covid-19 epidemic begins to spread in Europe, more and more countries are imposing quarantine measures on travelers returning from destinations believed to be at risk within the European Union. An unpopular preventive measure generates tensions.
Red areas that get wider. As Europe faces a resurgence of the Covid-19 epidemic, many countries have decided to reimpose quarantine measures within the European Union. Thus, since August 15, all travelers from France wishing to enter the UK are under house arrest for a period of 14 days. Germany followed British leadership by adding Spain to the list of danger areas. Recently, Norway, Austria and even Belgium have imposed quarantines on travelers from some European countries. Gradually, strict border controls appear to be establishing itself in Europe as a key measure. However, debate continues over the true effectiveness of this type of quarantine and the logistical complexity it generates.
An effective health measure?
Like examination or wearing a mask, quarantine is one of the preventive measures recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) to curb the Covid-19 epidemic. According to the World Health Organization, its role is dual as it can "prevent the disease from entering new areas" but also "reduce human-to-human transmission in areas where COVID-19 is already spreading." While the virus is active in most European countries, public authorities rely heavily on this measure to stop the wave of the epidemic.
"There are two modes of transmission of the Coronavirus, respiratory and contact. Isolation necessarily reduces risks and is therefore undoubtedly effective," said Marc Gastillo-Ichgori, an epidemiologist at the Center for Medicine Without Borders, in an interview with France 24. However, quarantine measures are applied alongside other preventive measures, such as rules of social distancing and wearing masks, and there is currently little evidence to assess their effectiveness for an individual. ”
A view shared by Jean Cedric Hansen, physician and member of the French Society of Disaster Medicine: “If we take the example of influenza, massive vaccination of the population does not prevent individual cases of influenza. It does allow to avoid a pandemic. The same applies to quarantine; It can be denied on the general epidemiological situation. "
An unpopular measure that creates logistical problems
Therefore, quarantine is an effective tool in combating Covid-19. However, its application can be very restrictive. Most states do not support travelers and simply require them to self-isolate for 14 days where they plan to stay. This is the case for travelers from areas considered at risk by the United Kingdom, who must provide information about their place of residence and respect quarantine, subject to fines of up to 3,200 pounds (more than 3,500 euros). For a period of 14 days, these travelers are forbidden from entertaining friends or family or shopping, unless absolutely necessary.
A very restrictive procedure, therefore, it is often seen by the population with a negative eye. However, this aspect is a major obstacle to its effectiveness, according to Jan-Cédric Hansen, “Experience shows that in terms of health measures, adherence to them is much more important than fear of sanctions. If effectiveness is to be achieved, the complexity of the situation must be explained to the entire population. A great educational effort is necessary. " A teaching method that appears to have been missing upon the announcement of the quarantine imposed by the British government on 13 August which led to a large number of hasty returns to the UK despite the warnings.
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