COVID-19 pandemic in Réunion
The COVID-19 pandemic was confirmed to have reached the French overseas department and region of Réunion on 11 March 2020. On 20 May 2020, the first death was announced.
Background
On 12 January 2020, the World Health Organization confirmed that a novel coronavirus was the cause of a respiratory illness in a cluster of people in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, which was reported to the WHO on 31 December 2019.The case fatality ratio for COVID-19 has been much lower than SARS of 2003, but the transmission has been significantly greater, with a significant total death toll.
Réunion is an overseas department and region of the French Republic and the State is represented by a Prefect. One of the tasks of the Prefect is to manage major crises. The current Prefect for Réunion is Jacques Billant.
Timeline
March 2020
- On 11 March, the department's first case of COVID-19 was confirmed.
- On 14 March, the number of confirmed cases rose to 6.
- On 15 March, the confirmed cases rose to seven.
- On 18 March, the number of confirmed cases rose to 14.
- On 19 March, the number of cases doubled to cumulative 28.
- On 21 March, the number of cases rose to 47.
- On 22 March, the number of cases rose to 64. The city of Saint-Denis announced the closure of the markets from 25 March onwards.
- On 30 March, the number of cases rose to 224.
- On 31 March at 15:00, the 247th case was confirmed. 23 additional cases declared in 24 hours. 246 of the cases were active.
April 2020
- On 1 April, the 281st case was confirmed. The ARS reports 195 imported cases, 45 cases of local transmission and 1 indigenous case. The healing of 40 patients was announced on the same day.
- On 2 April, the 308th case was confirmed. The ARS announces that it has investigated 267 cases, the 41 still to be found.
- On 3 April, The 321st case was confirmed. Imported cases are still in the majority, with a minimum of 195 cases. 51 people are hospitalized, including 2 in intensive care. 33 healthcare workers contracted the disease, including 28 infected outside the country.
- On 4 April, the 334th case was confirmed. 35 cases were tested positive, 2 more than the previous day and the cases in intensive care went from 2 to 4. Contact subjects were assessed at the number of 2000.
- On 5 April, the 344th case was confirmed. 313 cases were investigated by the ARS. The affected population is made up of: 10% of minors, 47% of people aged 18 to 50, 29% of 51 to 65 and 14% of people over 65.
- On 6 April, the 349th case was confirmed. Despite this relative flattening of the curve of detected patients, 9 travelers assigned to confinement violated the prefectural decree by leaving their hotel.
- On 7 April, the 358th case was confirmed, confirming a momentary drop in new cases detected daily. The former hospital Gabriel Martin in Saint-Paul has reopened a shelter for the homeless. Robert Chaudenson, researcher of Réunion Creole who created the first lexicon of the language, died in Lyon at the age of 82 of COVID-19.
- On 8 April, the 362nd case was confirmed. The contact cases are evaluated at the number of 2300, and are subject to a fortnightly follow-up. The decline in cases seems to continue, with the hypothesis of a first effect of confinement.
- On 9 April, the 376th case was confirmed. The assessment of indigenous cases brings their number to 25. The number of people recovered is estimated at 199.
- On 10 April, the 382nd case was confirmed. 3 cases were detected positive for the coronavirus in Accommodation facility for dependent elderly, without however presenting the symptoms of COVID-19 disease.
- On 11 April, the 388th case was confirmed. There are no new cases to report in Ehpad. The second week of April marks a drop in the number of cases, also causing relaxation in compliance with the confinement rules.
- On 14 April, a dedicated medical center opened in La Possession.
- On 17 April, a homeless person imprisoned in Domenjod prison tested positive. As of 23 April, all people who have been in contact with him have tested negative. The patient who is asymptomatic will be returned on 27 April and isolated in a special wing.
- On 24 April, L'Association Culturelle des Jeunes du Tampon will start to distribute food parcels during Ramadan to aid the underprivileged under the confinement. 67 French people including 3 babies stranded in Madagascar and Réunion have been repatriated.
- As of 25 April, no COVID-19 deaths have been reported, however Réunion is in the grip of two epidemics, and the fourth death from Dengue had been announced. There have been more than 4,200 Dengue infections up to date.
- On 30 April, Daniel Gonthier, the mayor of Bras-Panon, announced that the schools in his city will not reopen on 18 May. Réunion is now listed as green; there are currently 5 people in hospital and 1 in intensive care. Masks will have a maximum price of €0.95. During the month there were 173 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 420. The number of recovered patients increased to 300, leaving 120 active cases at the end of the month.
May 2020
- On 3 May, André Thien Ah Koon, mayor of Le Tampon, will not reopen the schools on 18 May. Even though ARS Réunion reassured Koon that his municipality is officially virus free, he considers protecting children fundamental.
- On 5 May, the French government announced a €200,- grant to all students under 25 stranded in France. The Union of Reunion Students of France has already expressed their disappointment.
- On 11 May, the Great Mosque of Saint-Denis ask people keep their patience. The full reopening of religious ceremonies is set at 29 May, and some prefer 24 or 25 May in order to celebrate Eid. Iqbal Ingar, the President of the mosque, considers the safety of the believer an absolute priority. Places of worship are open again from 11 May, but are limited to 10 people inside.
- On 20 May, the first death was announced. It concerned an 82-year-old man who was diagnosed in Mayotte, and transferred to Réunion on 9 May.
- In May there were 51 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 471. One patient died and 111 patients recovered, raising the total number of recovered patients to 411. There were 59 active cases at the end of the month, less than half the number of active cases the previous month.
June 2020
- On 24 June, a 19-year-old man, who had been evacuated from Mayotte the day before, died of the disease.
- During June, there were 55 new cases, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 526. The death toll doubled to 2 and the number of recovered patients increased by 61 to 472. There were 52 active cases at the end of the month: 12% less than at the end of May.
July 2020
- There were 134 new cases in July, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 660. The death toll doubled to 4. The number of recovered patients increased by 120 to 592, leaving 64 active cases at the end of the month: an increase by 23% from the previous month.
Preventive measures
- Airport and ports are closed.
- All restaurants and bars are closed, and all gatherings are banned.
- All schools are closed. From 18 May onwards, schools will reopen, however 13 mayors have stated that the closure will remain in effect.
- It is prohibited to leave the house except for essential journeys.
- From 1 April onwards, the sale of alcoholic beverages has been prohibited after 17:00.
- From 10 April onwards, all shops including supermarkets have to close at 19:00.
- On 11 May, deconfinement will start, businesses will reopen, masks are mandatory and the beaches will reopen. Restaurants and bars will not reopen. There will be a mandatory 14 day quarantine for people entering the territory.
Statistic