MAP: 35 French hospitals activate a ‘white plan’ due to flu cases - what it means

At least 35 hospitals across France have activated their plan blanc (white plan) due to high numbers of flu patients. 

The plan allows hospitals to enact emergency measures in light of an influx of patients.

We look at where the impacted hospitals are and what a 'white plan' changes for patients.

Read also: France's winter flu epidemic: Latest updates and vaccination advice

Which areas have been impacted?

The ‘white plan’ has been activated as of midday on January 8 at hospitals in: Avignon, de Noyal-Pontivy, Vannes, Ploërmel, Nantes, Nevers, Cholet, Cavaillon-Lauris, d'Hyères, Carpentras, Toulouse, Albertville, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Mâcon, Chalon-sur-Saône, Troyes, Dieppe, Abbeville, Laval, Lons-le-Saunier, La Rochelle, Vittel, Neufchâteau, d'Épinal, Remiremont, Romans-sur-Isère, La Seyne-sur-Mer, Faye-l’Abbesse, Aix-en-Provence, Marseille, Orange, Annonay, Aubenas, Saint-Nazaire and Louviers.

Many of these are located in the south and west of the country. An interactive map of the hospitals can be found below.

The hospitals where the plan is active are subject to change.

What does a white plan change?

The ‘white plan’ has several levels which are adapted according to the ongoing health situation.

The following measures may be put in place at impacted hospitals:

• Cancellation of non-urgent care

• Transferring patients to different facilities

• Mobilisation of off-duty voluntary staff

• Setting up a crisis centre

• Additional beds may be added depending on the development of the health situation 

Read also: How to get your free flu vaccine in France: A guide for over-65s and high-risk groups

The ‘white plan’ was declared in most hospitals at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as in Paris during the attacks of 13 November, 2015.

For more information, visit the dedicated sante.gouv.fr page.