Staying the course in the midst of a health storm. While the average daily Covid-19 contamination has never been so high since the start of the pandemic, the Prime Minister, Jean Castex, and the Minister of Health, Olivier Véran, presented, Thursday, January 20, the timetable adopted by the government for a gradual lifting of the last restrictions.
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The executive took the opportunity to deliver details on the application of the vaccine pass. Here’s what to remember.
Entry into force of the vaccine pass on Monday
The vaccination pass, which will replace the health pass, will be applied from January 24. To go to the restaurant, to the theater, to a stadium or to travel by plane or on board a TGV, people aged 16 and over must provide proof of a complete vaccination schedule. “I remind you that the complete final plan assumes that you do your recall within seven months after the last injection and that this period will be reduced to four months from February 15”, reaffirmed Jean Castex. On the other hand, proof of a negative screening will suffice to access hospitals, nursing homes or medico-social establishments.
On the other hand, there is no change for adolescents aged 12 to 15, for whom the classic health pass will continue to apply.
“Since the announcement of the vaccine pass, more than a million French people who were not yet vaccinated have taken the plunge. That’s good, but it’s not yet enough”, commented the Prime Minister. In order to encourage the last reluctant to accept the injection, the government has indicated that the vaccination pass could be activated from the start of the vaccination process. However, certain conditions will apply: the first dose must have been carried out before February 15, a negative screening dating back less than 24 hours will remain necessary to access the various places subject to the vaccination pass, and the second injection must be carried out within one month. .
The booster dose open to adolescents
Until now reserved for adults and minors who are fragile or suffering from chronic pathologies, the booster dose of the vaccine against Covid-19 will be open to all adolescents aged 12 to 17 from Monday. However, it will not be compulsory to benefit from a valid vaccination pass.
End of compulsory teleworking, gauges in stadiums and masks outside on February 2
The Prime Minister then detailed the timetable for the lifting of health restrictions. Two stages have been selected: the first, on Wednesday February 2, will see the end of the application of the gauges in establishments welcoming a seated public, such as stadiums and cultural establishments. However, wearing a mask will remain compulsory.
On the other hand, February 2 will mark the end of the mandatory mask outdoors. Telecommuting will continue to be recommended, but the current 3-4 day remote work requirement will end.
Reopening of nightclubs, resumption of concerts and standing drinks in bars on February 16
The second stage of the lifting of restrictions will take place on Wednesday, February 16. This date will mark the resumption of standing concerts. The consumption of food and drink will again be possible in stadiums, cinemas and transport. Consumption standing up in bars will again be permitted.
Discotheques will also be able to reopen their doors. Will you have to wear a mask? A priori no, replied Olivier Véran. But if the health situation is tense at that time “we may have to ask to keep it for a few more days or weeks”. As it stands, the government also does not plan to request a negative test in addition to the vaccination pass to access these establishments where barrier gestures are difficult to apply.
Towards a lighter health protocol at school after the February holidays
Finally, the government has announced that the health protocol that applies in schools will be “probably” lightened at the start of the February holidays. Wearing a mask in primary school could in particular no longer be compulsory in primary school. However, these decisions will be subject to validation by the health authorities.