In France, some quarantine measures have been relaxed. In France, the number of people infected with coronavirus is 4.4% of the population (2.8 million people), according to researchers at the Pasteur Institute. This is much higher than official data, but not enough to achieve herd immunity.
Scientists have concluded that in the most affected areas of the country – Paris and the eastern regions – this figure averages 9-10% of the population. To control the pandemic through herd immunity, about 65% of the population would need to have it, according to the study. Herd immunity is when it develops in a sufficient number of people so that the infection does not spread.
The Pasteur Institute tested the percentage of infected population on May 11, when France began easing quarantine measures. “According to the data obtained, without a vaccine, collective immunity will not be sufficient to prevent a second wave after the end of the quarantine. Therefore, effective control measures should remain in place after May 11,” the study said.
As of May 14, France had 178,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, according to official data. The country ranks fifth in the world in terms of deaths – 27,077 people have died with a diagnosis of Covid-19.
A similar study was conducted by Spanish scientists from the Carlos III Health Institute and the National Institute of Statistics, who concluded that a total of about 5% of their compatriots were infected with the coronavirus and had developed immunity. These data will be used to plan the strategy to control the coronavirus in the country. The study involved more than 60,000 Spaniards of different ages and social status. Approximately 26% of those infected were asymptomatic. The percentage varies from region to region. For example, one study found antibodies in 7.1% of the population in Barcelona and 2.5% in Girona. Madrid has the highest rate with 11%.
In Madrid, antibodies were detected in 11% of study participants. We explain quickly, simply, and clearly what happened, why it matters, and what happens next. The number of offers should remain: episodes. End of Story Podcast Advertising As of May 14, more than 228,000 cases of infection have been reported in Spain, with 27,104 deaths. Taking into account the data from the research on the actual number of infected individuals, it can be concluded that the mortality rate of Covid-19 in Spain is approximately 1.1%. However, if we take into account the deaths of people who were not diagnosed with a coronavirus infection but were likely to have died from it, this figure would be around 1.5%. Most scientific studies indicate that the mortality rate of Covid-19 does not exceed 1%.
Spanish specialists agree with their French counterparts on the need for caution in lifting quarantines. “Collective immunity will not be possible until a vaccine is available. Unless, of course, we are prepared for a large number of deaths,” Per Goya, president of the Spanish Epidemiological Society, told the newspaper El País. “The virus has proven to be very dangerous, and a strategy that involves its free circulation involves an enormous risk.”
Moscow City Hall has announced a decision to randomly test the city’s residents for antibodies to the coronavirus. The participants of the test will be selected randomly. According to the city hall, 70 thousand Muscovites received SMS messages and e-mails inviting them to participate in the experiment. After the technology is tested, the test will be available to all city residents.
“The methodology for conducting the research will be published on the Health Ministry’s website in the near future. We very much hope that the data we will receive on a daily basis will allow us to make more informed decisions on the extension or lifting of various restrictive measures,” Moscow Deputy Mayor Anastasia Rakova was quoted by TASS as saying.
A study is also being conducted in the United Kingdom to determine the number of people infected at any given time, as reported by the Office for National Statistics. People across the country are being randomly asked to take regular Covid-19 tests to determine if they have been infected with the coronavirus. In addition, some adults will be asked to undergo antibody testing.