The European Commission encourages all Member States to apply community measures, such as social distancing, regardless of their particular situation. This is the outcome of its first meeting with the Scientific Advisory Council, held on Wednesday 18 March (see EUROPE 12448/2).
Two documents have been published. The first, on community measures, was discussed by Member States at the second joint video conference of EU Health and Home Affairs Ministers on Wednesday. The second, on screening, was discussed at the health ministers' videoconference on Thursday, 19 March.
These recommendations represent a first policy coordination exercise that complements the guidelines of the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), which so far have been little followed.
Application of "community measures"
In the first part, the Commission clearly recommends that Member States "introduce community measures immediately, regardless of their national situation". The document does not make these measures explicit, although it cites as an example the social distancing imposed in many Member States.
For the Commission, community measures represent one of the most effective means of curbing the spread of the virus. The document states that the end of community measures should be a coordinated decision of the EU Member States and that their duration should be reassessed regularly in light of the epidemiological situation.
The Commission also recognises that 'quarantine' can also be considered effective in the case of localised outbreaks, in light of a cost/benefit analysis. It also recommends the closure of schools (unless specific circumstances warrant it), universities and research institutes.
During the videoconference of 18 March, during which these recommendations were presented, Sweden and the Netherlands, which for the time being refuse to take drastic measures, stressed the importance of taking into account the specific situation of each country. Germany, which has so far closed most public and private areas, is said to have insisted that these community measures be further studied.
In his daily press conference, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, acknowledged that distancing measures can help deal with the virus. "But to suppress and control epidemics, countries need to isolate, test, treat and trace. If this is not the case, the chains of transmission may continue at a low level and then reappear once the social distancing measures are lifted".
See the report: http://bit.ly/2Up8brM
Prioritisation of tests
The second Commission document concerns detection strategies, in a context of very high demands for detection kits. It recommends that a clear hierarchy be followed, giving priority to hospitalised patients with severe acute respiratory infections to guide clinical management, including isolation.
This is followed by acute respiratory infections in hospitals or long-term care facilities and health care workers with even mild symptoms, those in sentinel hospitals, and elderly people with underlying chronic medical conditions. If the epidemic is local and resources allow for it, the document recommends screening all patients with respiratory infections.
On the question of mobile clinics ('labo-drive'), it is too early to say, says the Commission. But this type of equipment could be "beneficial, practical and quick".
See the report: http://bit.ly/2UiR8rA
On Thursday, the European Health Ministers decided to meet again on 23 March. However, the question is raised as to the political level involved in these exchanges, as some ministers consider the current pace difficult to sustain. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)