The Order of Malta’s health units in France have been engaged on the Covid-19 front since the emergency began last spring.  Following the recent increase in the number of infections in France – some 4,800 over the last 24 hours – its medical teams have been mobilized to help the most vulnerable sections of the population, such as the elderly, the homeless and the sick.

To monitor the situation, on 7th August the Order of Malta in France reactivated its crisis unit 1.  This unit monitors personal protection equipment and medicine supplies, as well as infections among residents in its facilities nationwide – and among its volunteers and employees – and any new movement restrictions. Volunteers and employees are constantly updated on good practices to prevent contagion and regularly undergo serological testing. The same applies to the guests in the Order’s numerous care homes in France.

Particular attention is also paid to the continuity of emergency services such as “Soli’ Malte”, the Order of Malta France’s programme for providing the more vulnerable with food, social support and healthcare. These activities are carried out in liaison with national and regional authorities.