Paris: French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced on Thursday night that the government would continue to alleviate certain Covid-19 restrictions in February.
During a press conference, Castex emphasized that the omicron variant “was not just flu.” He once again given the importance of being vaccinated, by saying that people who are fully vaccinated are 4.5 times more unlikely to be infected than those who are not vaccinated, and have a chance 25 times less to turn into a severe case.
Castex announced that passing a vaccine, replacing passing health today, will be effective on January 24, subject to the decision of the Constitutional Council on Friday.
Pass vaccine allows people to get access to public places without the need to present a negative Covid-19 test.
As for access to nursing homes and hospitals, passing vaccines will not be mandatory.
Children between the ages of 12 and 15 years can present a graduate of health and not pass the vaccine, the prime minister added.
He reminded that, effectively from February 15, everyone who has not received a booster shot four months after the second dose will not be considered to have a complete vaccination cycle.
However, Castex announced that starting from February, certain limitation steps would subside.
From February 2, Caps on the number of people permitted in indoor and outdoor events will be appointed.
Mask will no longer be needed outdoors.
Teleworking will also no longer compulsion, but still compelled, he added.
Starting from February 16, eating and drinking at the stadium, cinema, public transportation will be allowed again, and stand in the bar, concert and the opening of the nightclub.
The scientific council announces in a statement on Thursday that “the fifth wave with the Omicron variant is not over and the impact on the health care system will remain high but some can be managed until mid-March.” At night, the French public health agency reported 425,183 new Covid-19 cases detected in the last 24 hours.
More than 52 million people have a complete vaccination cycle, representing 77.7 percent of the French population.