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France sees 52 more coronavirus deaths but no sign of epidemic resurging

France on Friday reported 52 coronavirus deaths over the last 24 hours and saw no sign of a resurgence as it prepared to further ease restrictive measures next week.

Published: 30 May 2020 10:08 CEST

France sees 52 more coronavirus deaths but no sign of epidemic resurging

People stand and drink outside a cafe in Paris on May 29, 2020, ahead of the re-opening of the French capital's cafe terraces, scheduled for June 2: GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT / AFP

The latest deaths, which followed low figures over the last days, brought the total toll in France in the epidemic to 28,714, the health ministry said.

The number of people with coronavirus in intensive care — which at the peak of the epidemic soared to over 7,000 — fell by another 68 to 1,361.

France will on Tuesday remove significant restrictions imposed to slow the spread of the coronavirus, with cafes and restaurants opening across the country.

In Paris, where there are still concerns about the virus, some restrictions will remain in place with cafes and restaurants only allowed to open their outdoor terraces.

The health ministry said in a statement that since the first easing measures were allowed on May 11, 109 new clusters of COVID-19 had been found in mainland France and its overseas territories.

But it added: “There are no signals indicating a resurgence of the epidemic.”

With testing now ramped up, it said that in the week of May 18-May 24 almost 217,000 people had been tested for COVID-19 and just over 4,000 were positive, only 1.9 percent of the total number tested.

READ MORE:

The key dates to know for the next phases of France's lockdown

In maps: Here's how the coronavirus epidemic is gradually receding across France

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The French government scheme that helps cover the cost of therapy

What is ‘Mon Soutien Psy’?

It is a scheme that allows anyone aged three and over who is suffering from anxiety, depression or mental distress to benefit from psychological support sessions, the cost of which is partially reimbursed by the state.

Currently, people can benefit from up to eight counselling sessions in a year with the assistance of Assurance Maladie, as long as the appointment is done with a psychologist registered to the scheme.

Previously, it has been difficult for people to find an available psychologist due to high demand. However, with the changes coming into effect on June 15th (increasing the price per session and the number of sessions covered, as well as removing the requirement to visit a doctor for a referral beforehand), the government hopes it will be more accessible.

That being said, patients must use the psychologists who are registered with the scheme, and as a result, English-speakers may be limited.

READ MORE: Ask the expert: How to find an English-speaking therapist in France

Who can participate?

Anyone who is “anxious or depressed; feeling unwell; with a smoking, alcohol or cannabis problem; or struggling with an eating disorder” can participate.

It is not intended for patients in emergency situations – ie those risk of suicide or dealing serious psychiatric issues. They will be referred to a psychiatrist or specialised facility.

How does it work?

As things stand in May 2024, the patient must first visit a doctor. This normally would be your GP, but it can also be any other doctor ‘charged with your care’, including other local GPs, paediatricians, geriatricians, and more.

After evaluating you, the doctor can give you a referral (courrier d’adressage) to a psychologist. This step will change in June 2024, and patients will be able to consult registered psychologists directly.

You can find the list of participating psychologists (HERE) to make an appointment.

Your first session will be for evaluation purposes. The psychologist will then determine the number of follow-up sessions (up to seven, but soon to be increased to 11) based on your needs.

How much is reimbursed?

As with other medical appointments in France, you pay the practitioner and later receive a reimbursement.

The reimbursement rate is 60 percent, and the remaining 40 percent is either out-of-pocket or covered by your complementary healthcare plan (mutuelle).

The fist session costs €40, and the follow-up sessions currently cost €30. However, starting in June 2024, they will be increased to €50 in an attempt to attract more psychologists to participate in the scheme. They will remain reimbursed at the 60 percent rate.

READ MORE: Health insurance in France: What you need to know about a mutuelle

If you are in the following situations, then you do not have to pay anything up-front.

Beneficiaries of the Complémentaire santé solidaire scheme ;
Beneficiaries of state medical aid (AME);
People with disabilities or long-term illnesses (Affection de Longue Durée – ALD)
Pregnant women (from the 6th month of pregnancy);
People under care in connection with an accident at work or occupational illness.

How can I get reimbursed?

In the coming years, the system will be incorporated into your Carte Vitale, so you will not need to mail in any reimbursement forms.

However, as things stand, you must request a feuille de soins at each session and mail it into Assurance Maladie to get your reimbursement. You would also send this to your mutuelle, depending on your situation.

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