New variant Eris has appeared in France

A new variant of the COVID-19 virus, known as Eris, has appeared in France. A few hundred people have been affected. These cases are spreading in busy holiday resorts in the southwest of France. Since 10 August, the mask has been compulsory in the hospital center of Arcachon.

The measure was decided after a dozen cases of Covid among patients. The spread could be linked to the summer holiday season, when people are more likely to travel and socialize, such as the Bayonne celebrations which brought together 1.3 million people.