French scientists believe that a vaccination rate of up to 95 percent may be needed to contain the delta variant of the coronavirus. “We won’t get the epidemic under control unless 90 to 95 percent of the population is vaccinated and infected,” the government’s scientific advisory council said Friday.
Given the increasing cases, “a fourth wave linked to the delta variant could occur rapidly, with implications for the health system.”
In France, only about half of the population has received a first vaccine dose so far, and 40 percent have been double-vaccinated. The government’s goal is to have two-thirds of the population fully vaccinated by the end of August.
“If people wait until after the summer vacations to get vaccinated, it will be too late,” epidemiologist and advisory board member Arnaud Fontanet told broadcaster RTL. Already, the delta variant, which is considered more contagious, accounts for half of all new coronavirus infections in France.
The government is expected to soon launch a mandatory vaccination for health and care workers, with a special session scheduled for Monday. On Monday evening, President Emmanuel Macron plans to explain the new measures in the fight against the delta variant on television.
— source: kurier.at/picture: pixabay.com
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