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Coronavirus: better than hydroxychloroquine, cannabis.

Canadian scientists have discovered that 13 varieties of cannabis could prevent Covid-19 infection.

What if, after hydroxychloroquine was called into question by the WHO, all eyes were now on cannabis? Surprising as it may seem, Canadian researchers have just published a study affirming the benefits of the plant against coronavirus, reported The Next Web.

According to their study, which has yet to be verified, scientists have identified thirteen varieties of cannabis sativa that are effective not in treating but in preventing infection by the virus. By modulating the ACE2 enzyme, cannabis is thought to limit the entry and proliferation of SARS-CoV-2 in the lungs.

The non-psychoactive substance (CBD) extracted

To achieve this result, the Canadians extracted cannabidiol (CBD), the plant's non-psychoactive substance, from 800 varieties of cannabis. These varieties are not sold on the market and were developed by the researchers.

CBD-based treatments are nothing new. For several years now, therapeutic cannabis has been prescribed across the Atlantic for the prevention of certain diseases. In some cases of cancer or epilepsy, it is recommended to help patients cope better with therapies and their side effects. Its virtues are even said to reduce migraines and headaches by half.

In France, it will be compulsory to wear a mask in enclosed public places from "next week".

French Prime Minister Jean Castex said on Thursday that the measure would come into force on 1 August.

The decree making it compulsory in France to wear masks in enclosed areas open to the public will come into force "next week", French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced to the Senate.

"We were planning for these provisions to come into force on 1 August", said the Prime Minister. "I understand that this deadline was too late (...) so the decree will come into force next week", he said during his general policy statement to the senators.

"An effective prevention and protection measure".

"Wearing a mask is an effective preventive and protective measure, along with observing barrier procedures", he stressed.

Emmanuel Macron's announcement on 14 July that it would be compulsory to wear a mask in "enclosed public places" from 1 August had pleased those who advocated this measure, but they were calling for it to be applied without delay, including in the workplace.

Jean Castex pointed out that "in so-called professional premises, this implies a change in the health protocols governing the activities concerned".

By APF LE TEMPS

"The first person to catch the virus at the party gets paid".

Young Americans took part in a series of corona parties. The aim of the game? Invite infected people to a party, catch the virus and win the lottery.

The United States is still reeling from the first wave of the coronavirus epidemic, and the number of cases is rising rapidly in some states. Short confinements, too few restrictions, regions affected one after the other - there are many reasons for this.

To which we can add recklessness and stupidity. A group of young people in Alabama have reached a milestone in this area by deciding to organise "Covid-19 parties". The concept is very simple: "Invite as many people infected with the coronavirus as possible. The first person to catch it also gets paid! To collect the prize money, the "lucky one" has to go and have his or her infection confirmed by a doctor. He then receives the money for the tickets to the famous evening.

"They can bring the coronavirus home".

It's hard to imagine the motives of the people involved in this dangerous game. When informed of the existence of this type of party, the authorities in the town of Tuscaloosa didn't believe it at first: "We thought it was a rumour before carrying out any research. But the doctors' offices and the State of Alabama received the same information as we did", explained to CNN Sonya McKinstry, from the city council.

Worse still, this is not an isolated phenomenon. Several similar "private parties" are reported to have taken place in towns in this southern US state. "I'm furious that such a serious and deadly virus should be treated in this way. It's not just irresponsible, they can bring the coronavirus home and contaminate their parents or grandparents", she continued.

The city has therefore decided to sound the alarm, and police checks will be stepped up. Since the beginning of the health crisis, Alabama has recorded more than 39,000 coronavirus infections and almost a thousand deaths.

by Thomas Holzer/L'essentiel