Curfew at 6 PM, strengthened health protocols, border controls… Here are the key points from the announcements made by the Prime Minister, Jean Castex.
While the Coronavirus continues to spread across France, Prime Minister Jean Castex held a conference where he announced that the 6 PM curfew, already in effect in 25 departments, will be extended nationwide starting this Saturday for a duration of 15 days.
The essential information
This curfew measure was applied to the entire territory, particularly following the latest information indicating that the incidence rate was 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in all departments.
For retailers, Jean Castex urged them to “take advantage of the additional opening opportunities during the lunch break” available in most departments. The Prime Minister also encouraged them to work on Sundays using the available exemptions.
An important case: border controls. Due to the emergence and spread of foreign variants, which have a greater impact than the common virus circulating in France, border controls need to be reinforced. People “who wish to come to France from countries outside the European Union will need to take a PCR test before departure.” As a precaution, they will be recommended to undergo a seven-day quarantine upon their arrival in France.
Regarding schools and higher education institutions
The current situation is not severe enough to close educational institutions, at least not for now. However, health protocols in school canteens and restrictions will be tightened, such as the suspension of indoor sports activities. High schools will not return to in-person classes starting January 20. Distance learning will be preferred.
It is known that students are particular cases. Most of them are psychologically affected by the consequences of the health crisis. Jean Castex acknowledged that the effectiveness of support measures for students (mentoring, tutoring, etc.) “is not sufficient.” To meet their needs, a “very gradual” resumption of in-person classes is considered in universities starting January 5. First-year students will return in half-groups, and if the health situation permits, this measure will be extended to other students.
Employees whose tasks can be performed remotely must fully favor teleworking. Only employees whose functions require in-person attendance are allowed to go “one day a week at most to the company.”
Toward a new national lockdown?
Despite all the reinforced restrictions, it is still too early for Jean Castex to limit regional travel for the February school holidays. For now, it is not recommended for residents to cancel their reservations. Rules will also be adapted according to circumstances.
The British variant continues to spread in France. Between 200 and 300 infections per day have been reported. According to the Minister of Health, Olivier Véran, it is “30 to 70% more contagious than the usual Covid-19.”
A general lockdown is not being considered but remains a valid option. A “strong epidemic deterioration” would be required for the government to announce a new national lockdown without delay. This hypothesis remains set aside, but Jean Castex remains cautious. “We must, as we have continuously done since the start of this crisis, be prepared for any eventuality,” he stated.
Nearly 6.4 million French people are called upon to get vaccinated in more than 700 vaccination centers. Despite the slow pace of the vaccination campaign, Jean Castex remains optimistic and assured that “we will be above one million” vaccinated people by the end of January.
