For once, the weekly press conference of Prime Minister Jean Castex and Health Minister Olivier Véran did not bring new restrictive measures, even though more than 400,000 people tested positive for Covid-19.
Looking ahead, the situation seems to be improving, and the number of first-time vaccine recipients since January 1st is markedly increasing day by day.
Furthermore, the vaccine pass will come into effect on Monday, unless the Constitutional Council sides with the left-wing deputies who filed an appeal after the parliamentary vote.
The outlook seems to be brightening, and the Government can afford to ease the current measures.
February 2: Teleworking, which was mandatory three days a week, will only be “recommended.”
At the same time, public venues (theaters, stadiums…) will no longer be subject to an attendance limit. Finally, the requirement to wear masks outdoors, which applies in certain cities, will be lifted.
February 16: Consumption in stadiums, cinemas, and public transport will once again be allowed. Standing concerts and consumption in bars will also be possible. Finally, nightclubs, closed since December 10, will be able to welcome the public again.
The health protocol in schools will be revised: after the February holidays, the health protocol in schools may be relaxed, with the potential lifting of the mandatory mask requirement in elementary schools and a new system for testing and self-testing in case of a positive case in a class.
In the meantime, the recommendation remains the same: get vaccinated!
