He made a sensational entry into the news on Monday March 16, 2020, in the midst of the first wave of the Covid-19 epidemic. The Scientific Council bows out this Tuesday, July 26, after two years of work during which it played a central role in the life of the French.
At the end of a weekend where massive rallies had taken place all over the country despite the restrictions already in force, the Scientific Council estimates on Monday March 16, 2020 that the population has not taken the measure of the gravity of the situation. And recommends a generalized strict containment », following the example of what is done in Italy.
A few hours later, Emmanuel Macron evokes a France “ in war » and announces the first confinement, based precisely on the opinion of the scientists who make up the Council.
To face an exceptional situation, which exceeds it, the political power needs clear and fast answers.
The Scientific Council wanted by the Head of State becomes essential. Just like the face of its president, Jean-François Delfraissy, alongside that of the Minister of Health, Olivier Véran, in the press points that punctuate the lives of the French.
But over time, the executive freed itself from the Council. The government no longer follows all its recommendations, or is complying with them late for certain confinements, such as when the Alpha variant raises fears of hospital saturation in the first half of 2021.
He nevertheless continues his work of expertise until the end. Final notice on July 19, entitled: “ Living with variants “.