LOC16:43
13:43 GMT
PARIS, Aug 27 (KUNA) -- There was a sharp upswing in the number of cases of
contamination with the swine flu virus in France last week, with more than 4,
500 registered cases compared with 3,000 projected initially by the Health
Ministry.
France officially has two deaths on the mainland from swine flu and another
eight in foreign holdings abroad, where in some cases contamination is up to
30 percent of the population, especially in New Caledonia.
The government has ordered 94 million vaccinations against the flu and is
due to announce its program for vaccinations any moment now so as to be in
time for the resumption of school term in early September.
Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux has summoned an inter-ministerial meeting
later Thursday to discuss the worsening situation and measures to take to
increase preparedness for the autumn, when the pandemic is set to intensify.
It is the third meeting that also includes the health minister, the social
affairs and other ministers with responsibilities for public welfare. (End)
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KUNA 271643 Aug 09NNNN