The situation is improving, the peak of the third wave has been reached but “we must remain vigilant and mobilized,” is the directive from Prime Minister Jean Castex, based on his statements during the press conference held last night, in the presence of the Ministers of Health, National Education, and Interior.
Therefore, the time for demobilization has not yet come! These cautious announcements will certainly disappoint local and departmental elected officials from the Azure region, who, for once united under the same banner, issued a statement to the contrary.
In fact, regarding the territorialization of measures, the Prime Minister slightly opened the window but firmly closed the door, postponing this option to mid-May.
Concerning the announcements, Jean Castex limited himself to confirming the green light for schools (primary, middle, high schools, and BTS), each following specific dates and protocols.
Travel restrictions are also lifted, but the curfew remains in place until further notice.
The government is treading carefully regarding the easing of lockdown measures. The reopening of shops, restaurants, and cultural activities will be “gradual,” territorialized, and dependent on the evolution of the epidemic, the Prime Minister cautiously stated. It could begin “around mid-May” if the observed decline in cases continues, but it will be done “carefully” and in stages.
The list of activities that will resume first has not yet been established, and further details will be provided “in the very near future,” Jean Castex specified. This will give headaches to various groups that had developed proposals which were not taken into account.
Finally, the vaccination strategy, which is the key to the Government’s action, has been confirmed: Olivier Veran, the Minister of Health, is confident of being able to meet the targets of 20 million vaccinated by mid-May and 30 million by the end of June. To date, 12 million people have received at least one dose.
