The transition from 2021 to 2022 will be marked by the Covid epidemic and by the draconian measures taken by the state to contain all kinds of overflow. Here are some of the measures taken by the prefects in the Grand Est.
In Alsace as in Lorraine, the prefects have taken measures “for a peaceful New Year”. And so that everything goes well, very important human means, police officers, gendarmes and firemen are mobilized to ensure the safety of all on December 31, in particular in Strasbourg and in the whole department of Bas-Rhin where, each year, many vehicles are burned.
Curfew for children under 16 years old
The prefect of the Bas-Rhin has taken temporary measures to apply during this period:
- Prohibition until January 3, 2022 at 8 am of the wearing, transport, purchase, sale and transfer of all fireworks and pyrotechnic articles. (category C1, F1, C2, F2, C3, F3, C4 and F4);
- Establishment of a curfew for minors under sixteen years of age during the night of December 31, 2021 at 10:00 pm to January 1, 2022 at 6:00 am in the following localities: Strasbourg, Hoenheim, Bischheim, Schiltigheim, Illkirch-Graffenstaden , Lingolsheim and Ostwald;
- Prohibition of the sale and consumption of alcohol on the public highway from December 31, 2021 at 12:00 to January 1, 2022 at 12:00;
- Ban on the distribution, purchase and sale of fuel in any transportable container from December 25, 2021 at 6 am to January 3, 2022 at 6 am
Continuous work with the 7 municipalities of the Strasbourg public security district, the Euro-metropolis and social landlords, has allowed, in particular, the development of an alternative offer of free and supervised parking, as well as the reinforcement of the security of urban furniture and common parts of residential buildings.
In view of the health situation and the rapid expansion of the Omicron variant, caution and a spirit of responsibility on the part of everyone are more necessary than ever.
For private or family parties, it is recommended:
- limit the number of participants;
- to make sure that vulnerable people have received their booster dose;
- to air the premises regularly;
- whether or not you have been vaccinated, to perform a self-test on the day of the event, or to perform an antigenic or PCR test the day before or the day of the event.
Private parties whose size and conditions of organization resemble those of a discotheque are, in fact, contrary to COVID regulations. In such cases, the organizers may be subject to prosecution.
In order to monitor the situation and to allow the coordination of services under the authority of the Prefect, the Departmental Operational Center will be activated in the afternoon of December 31 and throughout the night of New Year’s Eve.
No alcohol on the public highway
In the departments 54 and 57, similar provisions will be in force. As the festive events of the night of December 31 can favor the propagation of the virus, the State services consider it essential to apply the good gestures by:
- avoiding large parties, dinners and gatherings;
- limiting the number of participants and the mixing of people;
- regularly ventilating enclosed spaces and washing hands regularly wearing a mask in all places where this is mandatory and when the physical distance of 2 meters cannot be respected;
- Going for testing the day before or the day of the event.
The prefecture strongly advises against the organization of dances, large parties, etc. The security forces will be mobilized and can stop them if the sanitary rules are not respected.
In line with the Prime Minister’s announcements, encouraging the population to avoid large parties and dinners on December 31, Laurent Touvet, prefect of Moselle, and Arnaud Cochet, prefect of Meurthe-et-Moselle, have decided to prohibit the consumption of alcohol in the public space and on the public highway on New Year’s Eve, with the exception of the terraces of bars, cafes, hotels and restaurants authorized to receive the public. This measure is applicable in all municipalities from this Friday, December 31, 2021 at 6 pm until Saturday, January 1, 2022 at 7 am
Wearing a mask is mandatory
The wearing of a mask is mandatory outdoors all New Year’s Eve in municipalities with more than 5,000 inhabitants, as well as in municipalities surrounded by cities with more than 5,000 inhabitants.
In addition, the use, carrying and transportation of fireworks and pyrotechnic articles are prohibited throughout the department.
- All wearing, use and transport of fireworks and pyrotechnic articles is prohibited for individuals until January 2, 2022 included, on the public highway or in the direction of the public space, as well as in public transport;
- The ban does not apply to categories C1, F1 and C2, F2. Only professionals holding a qualification certificate are authorized to carry, transport and use fireworks in the context of pyrotechnic shows duly validated by the competent prefectural authority.
➢ The purchase and retail sale, removal and transportation of any fuel, by jerry cans, cubitainers, cans, bottles or miscellaneous containers in all distribution points, with the exception of products specifically intended for the supply of individual heating appliances, are prohibited until January 2, 2022 inclusive.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all!