In Europe, the measure mainly concerns Italians or travellers from Italy, for the time being. Austria, Georgia, Moscow and Thailand, for example, now require a certificate of non-contamination for Italians. With the number of cases rising in other European countries, including France - although not to the same level as the number of deaths in Italy - it is likely that French travellers will soon be forced to present such a certificate. Except that no such document exists in France at the moment...
According to the professionals who answered our questions about coronavirus to the toll-free number set up by the Ministry of Health (0 800 130 000), it is not possible to obtain a prescription for a test in a hospital or laboratory. " Only patients showing symptoms of infection will be tested "explains one doctor.
An unnecessary measure
Explanation confirmed by the Ministry of Health press office. " Such a measure is pointless, as the certificate is issued at a specific point in time and will therefore not reflect the exact state of health of the person being examined, who may have contracted the virus in the meantime. "says a spokesperson for the press office of the Ministry's Health Department.
But what can we do about the demands - legitimate or otherwise - of certain countries? " It is possible that this measure will be adopted soon. "A laconic response from the toll-free number. Also questioned, the communications department of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs acknowledges that there is indeed a deficiency. A real headache for travellers, who could find themselves turned back at the border.
While the French government has indicated that it is possible to receive a prescription from your doctor if you have symptoms, in practice this is still a long way off, as many laboratories have still not received the tests...
