Soon the end of the tunnel? The executive is currently facing a paradoxical situation: if the number of positive cases continues to increase – and to break records at more than 300,000 daily contaminations on average over the last seven days -, the pressure on the resuscitation services tends to decrease. “The wave linked to the Delta variant is everywhere in clear ebb”, commented in particular the Prime Minister Jean Castex, this Thursday, during a press conference. The recent drop in incidence in Ile-de-France, the first region hit by Omicron, as well as the lower dangerousness of this variant were also mentioned by the host of Matignon.
In this context, the government presented this Thursday evening to the French a detailed timetable for a gradual lifting of the last anti-Covid restrictions, from the beginning of February. While re-specifying the framework for the implementation of the vaccination pass, as well as the opening of the reminder to 12-17 year olds (non-compulsory), both taking place on Monday.
- A relaxation of the measures in two stages, on Wednesdays February 2 and 16
Wednesday February 2. On this date, teleworking will no longer be compulsory but only recommended. Companies must maintain the “good level” warned Jean Castex. Wearing a mask will no longer be required outdoors. Finally, the gauges will be removed in establishments receiving the seated public with the wearing of a mask.
Wednesday February 16. Standing consumption in bars can resume, consumption in public transport, stadiums and cinemas too. Nightclubs will also be able to reopen. “We will be able to consider a reduction in the school protocol”, on the return from the February holidays (from the 21st for zone B), in particular on the “number of self-tests to be carried out” or the “wearing of a mask”, also sketched the Prime Minister.
The economic support systems, and in particular for hotels-cafes-restaurants, but also for events, sport and culture are maintained during this phase, he further assured.
- The vaccination pass comes into effect on Monday
The vaccination pass, succeeding the health pass for people at least 16 years old, will come into force from Monday “subject to the decision of the Constitutional Council” on Friday, announced Jean Castex.
A new hand is stretched out towards the non-vaccinated, for whom a first dose by February 15 – subject to taking the second less than 28 days later – with the presentation of a PCR test within 24 hours, will allow access to the vaccination pass.
On the past as a general rule, the government wanted to reassure fierce opponents: the device will be deactivated if the tension decreases markedly in the hospital and more particularly in the critical care services.
Currently, according to the French public health agency, 27,230 people are hospitalized with a positive Covid diagnosis, a figure which has been rising steadily since the start of the year as contaminations soar. On the other hand, the situation is easing for the critical care services, which house the most serious cases. They currently host 3,852 people, a figure that has been declining for several days.
- A booster shot for 12-17 year olds
The Prime Minister has finally announced the extension of the vaccination booster to 12-17 year olds, from Monday. The measure is not compulsory, and it is in any case not correlated with obtaining the vaccination pass, in place for people at least 16 years old only.