The outbreak of the Coronavirus has sparked local panic in Nice France – in the region as well. This is only 100 miles from me – yippes! We must understand that is just one case and the reaction is overdone – a bit of a local panic has ensued. Nevertheless, people are reacting and starting to act at a very personal level. It is the talk of the town and is on everyone’s minds. Here is a report on the ground as I see it.Â
Here are some local reports (in French but I translated the headlines) concerning the Coronavirus:
- Nice Matin -The first case of Coronavirus reported today in Nice France – a traveler coming from the Milan Italy area, a 4-hour drive away.
- Huffington Post FR – Masks to prevent the contraction of the Coronavirus was stolen from a local French Hospital.
- Nouvel Obs – Local carnival event closed, due to potential Coronavirus infections. Other events face the same fate.
- Lindependant – The Nice France Coronavirus case comes after a case already reported in Montpellier France – 300 miles west of Nice France.
- Ladepeche – France of this date is reporting 57 cases of Coronavirus – two dead.
- France Monde – Six new cases in Annecy France. Le Salon International du Tourisme in Berlin, scheduled for 4 to 8th of March mars, has been canceled by authorities.
Some local anecdotal issues that have arisen concerning the Coronavirus:
- A Vietnamese neighbor’s restaurant (just below where I live) revenue is down 25%, no one wants to eat Asian food. He indicated that his Asian restauranteur friends are experiencing the same phenomenon.
- A friend tried to buy masks at two pharmacies, but they refuse to sell them. She was told that all masks have been reserved for the local hospitals and the French government does not want to see people on the street wearing a mask, to not spark panic.
- I have seen a few folks wearing plastic gloves, in lieu of not having masks. Oddly enough, it was Asian folks doing this mostly, as perhaps their fear has more clarity for them.
- Some local bus drivers and taxis are refusing to go into Nice for fear of passengers infected by Coronavirus in the area.
- Local authorities have said, that on a voluntary basis, that it may be wise to only travel to Nice France on a need-to basis. So far no French government restrictions are in place, unlike in 10 towns in Italy.Â
- Perhaps it is just me, or perhaps it is February and children are on school break, but there are noticeably fewer people in the local hypermarket – less contact with other people.
- From the comment section: The French Secretary of State for Health suggested avoiding handshakes as to slow the propagation of Coronavirus.
Are people overreacting to Coronavirus? I think so, but I am not a doctor to know. It is amazing to watch people react. It is and will have an effect on the local economy, but an assessment is underway on its global effect. Economists have forecast global growth will slip to 2.4% this year, the slowest since the Great Recession in 2009, and down from earlier expectations closer to 3%. Fed Chairman Powel says, “Coronavirus poses evolving risks’ to U.S. economy.” So this is getting serious.
Everyone you talk to has their own home remedies to prevent the spread. The World Health Organisation has put out a post entitled: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public: Myth busters. In any event, do watch your local reports and listen to local authorities with discernment if you have an outbreak near you.
Some have politically weaponized this Black Swan event for their own benefit. You guessed it, some say it’s Trump’s fault. However, if the economy does falter, it will affect the 2020 presidential election. Of course, these Trump accusations are all nonsense – but people will political profit where they can. The Right Wire Report will have more on this as the situation evolves.
Did you know the french secretary of state for health suggested to avoid handshakes as to slow the propagation of Corona virus? Was on Actu 17 or Boulevard Voltaire yesterday (I think, not sure)
No I didn’t … hmmm serious talk. I suppose the kissing needs to stop too … thanks for the tip. I will add to post.
I live in France as well, but far from Nice… between Verdun (20 miles West) and Metz (25 miles East) Here is a link from Nice Matin actually https://www.nicematin.com/sante/coronavirus-le-ministre-de-la-sante-recommande-deviter-les-poignees-de-mains-471880
Thanks and added to the post. Yes good to hear from you. I will be doing a series here on France and the state of play here in terms of global politics and the coming 2020 election in the US. Socialism on display … is France the model the US should follow?
I probably could help you on that (I’m a Poli-Sci major Metro State College Denver (now it’s MSUD) I read and write French fluently (I was born in France many years ago from a Dad who arrived here with 100 000’s of G.I.). I could be easier to communicate by email. France was always a socialist country even during the “de Gaule administration” since the French Revolution. (By the way the concepts of right and left came from the 1790 French Parliament: on the right were the royalists and on the left the communists (terrorists) like Robespierre and Danton.
Excellent. Please sign up as a Member here (see upper right of website). Then submit an article for posting. Note that we do have syndication and it may get re-posted to 1000s … so do be careful what you write … 😉 My email is blueagent007@rightwirereport.com
French men are always kissing each other