PARIS (AP) – As French President Emmanuel Macron rode the coronavirus on his way back from the presidency in Versailles, critics on Friday called for a slip in his anti-virus behavior, ranging from a close handshake to large groups. Let’s repeat the meal. last week
A fellow European leader who spent time with Macron at the EU summit last week, Slovak Prime Minister Igor Matovic tested positive for the virus on Friday. Some other leaders present at the summit have reported that the testing was negative, while some were not taking the test and many have not yet announced the results of their tests.
In France, Macron has come under fire for what he sees as a “bad example” as the country sees a new initiative in confirmation cases and doctors warn families to be careful this holiday season – especially At the dinner table.
Although Macron usually wears a mask and follows the rules of social distances, and insists that his viral strategy is driven by science, the 42-year-old president has recently Captured on camera for violating guidelines.
He shook hands and hugged Angel Gurria, head of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, in a meeting on Monday. Both were masked, but Macron’s office acknowledged Friday that the move was a “mistake.”
Last week, Macron spent two days in intensive talks with leaders of 26 other European Union countries at an EU summit in Brussels. Video footage released by the European Union shows a large meeting room – most of Macron and other leaders were unmasked.
In the days leading up to the test on Thursday, Macron hosted or attended a dinner hosted by several large groups, including members of his centralist party and opposition politicians, while the people of France currently hold more than six gatherings. Is advised to avoid. His office has been in touch with those present for the meal, but has told some people sitting away from the president that they are not considered a risk.
Macron suffers from fever, cough and fatigue, presidential officials said Friday. They did not give details of his treatment. He is staying at the presidential residence in La Lantern in the former royal city of Versailles, which was strictly cordoned off by police.
Macron’s positive test comes as French health officials are once again seeing an increase in infections and are warning others as French families prepare to get together for Christmas and New Year’s festivities. Another 18,254 new infections were reported in France on Thursday, with fewer than 60,000 deaths.
The Pastor’s Institute of France released a study on Friday suggesting that eating at home and in public is a major source of contamination. Pastor epidemiologist Arnaud Fontnett said on France-Inter Radio on Friday that during the holidays, “we can see each other, not too much, and at important times during meals, many people are not at the same table. Contain. “
The president said Macron took a test Thursday morning “as soon as the first symptoms appeared” and would isolate himself for seven days as recommended by national health authorities. Macron plans to continue working, and proceeded with a planned speech Thursday via video conference.
The French health minister suggested that Macron may have been infected at last week’s European summit in Brussels, but he also held several meetings in Paris.
France had its first case of the virus in Europe in January, but Macron’s government has been criticized for failing to carry out the required masks or tests and for not limiting the population quickly. Two months of severe lockouts reduced infection, and France sent children back to school and their parents to work.
But the decline in infections has picked up again, so he announced a new, softer lockout in October aimed at relieving pressure on hospitals. The measure was slightly relaxed this week, although restaurants, tourist sites, gyms and some other facilities are closed.
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Carol Janisek in Prague, Katherine Gaschka in Paris and Raf Cassert in Brussels contributed.
