the end of the wearing of the mask is not that of the epidemic

From Monday May 16, the mandatory mask in trams, metros, trains or planes is over. The Covid-19 epidemic is declining in France. Contaminations have been at their lowest for five and a half months, hospitalizations have indicators deemed sufficiently encouraging to authorize the end of the mask in public transport. But be careful, the virus is still there. Friday, May 13, 32,773 new cases were still recorded, with new evidence: reinfections are increasing. In question, new sub-variants of Omicron, always more transmissible and an immune system which seems to quickly lower its guard.

“The natural immunity acquired after a first infection with Omicron does not seem very effective, with an antibody level probably insufficient or in any case not sufficiently neutralizing to control future infections, and a not very optimal immune memory”, explains Bruno Megarbane, head of the intensive care unit at Lariboisière hospital. The vaccine remains effective against severe forms. However, it is too early to say whether new reminders will be necessary, it will be necessary to observe the dynamics of the epidemic.