Soon the end of the tunnel? The government announced, Thursday, January 20, the forthcoming entry into force of the vaccine pass and the possibility for all adolescents to receive a booster dose of vaccine against Covid-19. In addition, he announced that most of the restrictions linked to the epidemic will be lifted from February 2. Franceinfo takes stock.
>> Entry into force of the vaccination pass, gradual lifting of restrictions, health protocol at school… What to remember from the government’s announcements
January 24: vaccination pass and opening of the reminder for all adolescents from 12 years old
The vaccination pass, replacing the health pass for people aged 16 and over, will come into effect from Monday 24 January “subject to the decision of the Constitutional Council” Friday, announced Jean Castex. It will be possible to benefit from a vaccination pass for French people receiving a first dose by February 15, on two conditions: present a negative test within 24 hours and “well do their second dose a month later”.
The government will also open from Monday, and without obligation, the reminder of the vaccine against Covid-19 to all 12-17 year olds, announced Jean Castex. It was previously reserved for adolescents with chronic pathologies.
February 2: end of wearing a mask outdoors, gauges and compulsory telework
The gauges in large establishments welcoming a seated public (stadiums, cultural establishments, etc.) will disappear from February 2. Wearing a mask will nevertheless remain compulsory.
In addition, wearing a mask will no longer be compulsory outdoors. Telework three to four days a week either, but it will remain “recommended”.
February 16: reopening of nightclubs and resumption of standing concerts
Nightclubs, which had been closed since December 10 because considered conducive to contamination by Covid-19, will be able to reopen on February 16, and standing concerts will be able to resume on the same date, announced the Prime Minister.
Olivier Véran, Minister of Health, added that at this stage, the government does not plan to make it compulsory to present a negative test at the entrance to nightclubs, in addition to the vaccination pass. “The law allows us to do so”, said the Minister, “but we don’t have the ambition to do it”.
On February 16, standing consumption will also be possible again in bars. It had been banned from January 3. In addition, consumption will again be possible in stadiums, cinemas and transport.
From February 21: a possible reduction in the health protocol at school
The prime minister said “considers[r]” a reduction in the health protocol for schools on the return from the February holidays. This would concern the wearing of the mask but also the tests to be carried out, according to the Prime Minister. Depending on the area, the return date from vacation is scheduled for February 21, February 28 or March 7.
The current protocol will in any case remain in force until the start of the February holidays – February 5 for the first zone – said Jean Castex in response to a question from a journalist. France currently has 17,037 closed classes, compared to 14,380 on Friday January 14, added the head of government.