Chapter 365 The Severe Situation  

The convoy moved swiftly, taking advantage of the clear roads. Francis observed the city through the vehicle's window. The shops were closed, with signs that read "Fermé jusqu'à nouvel ordre" (Closed until further notice), and the few people they did pass were either in protective gear or hastily retreating indoors.

When they arrived at the Saint-Roch Hospital, the scene was one of controlled chaos. Medical staff, clad in protective gear, moved swiftly between tents that had been erected to handle the overflow from the hospital. The tents were filled with patients in various stages of illness, some isolated and some in distress.

Inside the hospital, the Imperial party was led to a sealed-off wing where the most critical patients were being treated. The grim expressions on the medical staff's faces spoke volumes about the dire circumstances.

Dr. Durand led Francis to a viewing area with a thick glass window looking into an intensive care unit. "This is where the most severe cases are being treated," he explained. "As you can see, the virus doesn't discriminate. Young, old, healthy, infirm—it's impacting everyone."

Francis studied the patients, each fighting their own battle with the virus. He turned back to Dr. Durand. "There's no cure for this virus yet, so how do you alleviate the symptoms for these people?"

Dr. Durand adjusted his mask before answering. "Currently, we're providing supportive care—fluids, oxygen therapy, and fever reducers. We're using antivirals and experimental treatments where we can, but the efficacy varies from patient to patient."

Francis nodded thoughtfully. "And the staff?" he asked, looking at a nurse who was wiping sweat from her brow. "How are they holding up?" "We're all on extended shifts," Dr. Durand admitted. "It's a strain, but everyone is pulling together. Our primary concern is avoiding burnout and keeping our team healthy. Without them, the fight against this virus would be impossible."

As they conversed, an aide approached Dr. Durand and whispered something in his ear. Dr. Durand's eyes briefly met Francis' before he spoke. "Your Imperial Highness, the autopsy report is ready for preliminary findings. Shall we?"

They moved to a secure laboratory, the air heavy with disinfectant. The room was stark, with only essential equipment. A single body lay on the examination table, shrouded by a sterile sheet. The medical examiner, a gaunt figure in a hazmat suit, stood by with a clipboard.

"Your Imperial Highness," the examiner began after a respectful nod. "The initial autopsy has given us some insights. The virus causes severe respiratory distress, and it appears to induce a cytokine storm in many patients, leading to multiple organ failure."

"Cytokine storm?" Francis queried, seeking clarification on the term.

"Yes, it's an overreaction of the body's immune system," the medical examiner clarified. "In trying to fight off the virus, the body ends up damaging its own tissues and organs."

Francis absorbed the information with a grave look. "So, it turns the body against itself. Is there any way to mitigate this?"

"We're trying corticosteroids to suppress the immune response, but it's a delicate balance. Too much suppression could allow the virus to replicate uncontrolled," Dr. Durand interjected.

"Tsk," Francis clicked his tongue. "Well, this is worse than I expected. Well, don't worry. The Emperor of France has sent me here to assure you that the government will offer its full support. What are the immediate needs of the hospital?"

Dr. Durand took a moment to think before replying. "Supplies are running low, particularly personal protective equipment for our staff and ventilators for the patients. We are also in need of additional medical personnel to relieve our overworked team."

Francis nodded, his mind racing through the logistics required to meet these demands. "I'll have the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health of France coordinate with the military to supply the necessary equipment and personnel. Possibly, have the doctors and nurses in Paris to work here in Toulouse, as well as from other less affected regions to support the strained healthcare system." "That would be most helpful," Dr. Durand responded with a tone of relief. "Many hands make light work, and right now, we need all the help we can get."

"I'll also ensure that the procurement process for supplies is expedited," Francis continued. "And regarding public health measures, Father is going to make an announcement soon, possibly placing the place in martial law to ensure compliance with the containment efforts. However, when we were on our way here, the city was a ghost. It seems like without martial law, they are complying with the lockdown measures already."

Dr. Durand nodded, acknowledging the situation. "The public is scared, and rightly so. Compliance isn't the issue—"

Francis placed a hand on Durand's shoulder, cutting him off gently. "How long have you been working here, doctor?"

"Uhm…since the outbreak began, Your Imperial Highness. Without pause," Dr. Durand responded, the lines of fatigue evident even through his mask.

Francis gave a sympathetic nod. "Make sure you take care of yourself as well. You're no good to your patients if you fall ill. We need every hand we can get, especially those as skilled as yours."

Dr. Durand offered a tired smile. "I shall try, Your Highness."

With the conversation drawing to a close, Francis excused himself and made his way back to his team, mentally preparing the orders he would issue to mobilize the additional support.

The first thing he is going to do is contact Paris and inform them of what he learned in the reports, basically confirming the severity of the situation and underlining the urgency of the needed resources.

There was a command center within the hospital, and he was escorted there. Upon reaching the command center, Francis didn't waste any time. When the call connected, Francis quickly conveyed the situation in Toulouse. He gave a concise, yet detailed account of the hospital's conditions, the overwhelmed staff, the dwindling supplies, and the patients suffering from severe effects of the virus.

He stressed the need for immediate dispatch of personal protective equipment, the urgency of ventilator delivery, and the crucial requirement for additional medical personnel to be sent to Toulouse. He suggested a coordinated effort between the military and civil medical services to ensure rapid deployment.

While on the call, Francis was told that martial law would be announced nationwide at six o'clock in the evening.

"Thank you, father. I will keep an eye on the situation here and report back with any changes," Francis replied, acknowledging the update on martial law.

With the call concluded, Francis turned his attention to the staff in the command center. "Now, let's go see the patients."