U.K. finds 16,000 extra virus cases; Paris goes on high alert
People relax in a Paris bar Monday. To slow the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19, the city’s bars will be closed.
LONDON AND PARIS
The British government has launched an investigation into how nearly 16,000 new coronavirus infections went unreported as a result of a technical glitch, a failing that could have given fresh impetus to an outbreak that critics say could easily get out of control.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock told lawmakers
Monday that the problem related to the “automated transfer of files.” The problem is widely thought to be connected to the file-size limitations on Excel spreadsheets used in the test-and-trace program.
Hancock’s appearance at the House of Commons came after the weekend disclosure that 15,841 virus cases weren’t tabulated from Sept. 25 to Oct. 2. Though those testing positive had been told of their status, their contacts — potentially around 50,000 people — weren’t traced, a failing that could have allowed the virus to flourish.
He said 51% of those testing positive were contacted again and that their contacts were reached immediately after that.
The U.K. and other countries in Europe are witnessing a second spike of the virus.
Lawmakers from all parties have criticized Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s government for a shortage of testing capacity that has meant some people have been asked to travel hundreds of miles for a test, and delays in notifying people of their test results.
The U.K. has Europe’s highest virus-related death toll at around 42,400.
Meanwhile, French authorities placed the Paris region on maximum virus alert on Monday, banning festive gatherings and requiring all bars to close but allowing restaurants to remain open, as the number of infections increased rapidly.
Paris police prefect Didier Lallement announced the new restrictions would apply at least for the next two weeks.
French authorities consider bars to be major infection hot spots because patrons don’t respect social-distancing rules as much as they do at restaurants.
Starting today, bars will be closed in Paris and its suburbs. Student parties and all other festive and family events in establishments open to the public will be banned.
Restaurants will remain open under strict conditions. They include a minimum three-foot distance between each table, groups limited to six people instead of 10 previously, and a request to register customers’ names and phone numbers to help alert those who might have been exposed to someone with the coronavirus.
Cinemas, theaters and museums will remain open with strict sanitary rules, but fairs and professional shows won’t be allowed.
Authorities have maintained the limit of 1,000 spectators per day at big sports events, allowing the French Open tennis tournament to continue this week.