Government announcements, Booster doses, reduced gatherings, teleworking … vaccine pass

The Prime Minister, Jean Castex, and the Minister of Health, Olivier Véran, held a press conference in Matignon on Monday evening, at the end of a Health Defense Council dedicated to the Covid-19 pandemic.

More than 100,000 new cases were recorded on Saturday, a record since the start of the pandemic, and the incidence rate exceeds 700 cases per 100,000 inhabitants nationally.

« Vaccination remains at the heart of our strategy » he continued because it « reduces the risk of being contaminated and of transmitting the disease. But above all, it protects against serious forms of Covid, and this remains true for the Omicron variant, « he insisted. « From tomorrow morning, following the recommendation of the High Authority for Health, three months after your second injection, or your first if you have had the Covid, will suffice to be able to benefit from your booster », announced Jean Castex.

« From tomorrow it will be enough three months after your second injection to be able to benefit from your booster »

« From tomorrow it will be enough three months after your second injection to be able to benefit from your booster », announced the Prime Minister, against four months currently. « We are doing everything to speed up and strengthen vaccination, » he insisted. Large gatherings are now limited to 2,000 people indoors and 5,000 people outdoors, and standing concerts are prohibited. Jean Castex also clarified that there will be no curfew for the New Year.

The sanitary pass will give way to the vaccine pass

From now on, in order to be able to enter and consume in bars, cafes or restaurants « it will be necessary to justify a vaccination », specifies the head of government. During a press conference on Monday, Jean Castex explains vaccines still remain at the heart of the government’s strategy in the fight against the epidemic.

In the event that the measure is passed within the time limits set by the government, this new pass should come into force « on January 15 ». The bill also provides for increased penalties for false passes. The Premier said he was « scandalized » and referred to « a deliberate act of endangering others ». According to information, the fine for fraud in the health or vaccination pass will amount to 1,000 euros following this law, against 135 so far.

Restricted consumption in cultural places, transport, bars and restaurants

From January 3, the consumption of food and drink will be prohibited in all cinemas, theaters, sports facilities and public transport, including long distance. In bars and cafes, consumption « can no longer be done only standing, but only sitting », said Jean Castex.

recourse to teleworking 3 to 4 days a week will be made compulsory

From January 3, and for three weeks, recourse to teleworking 3 to 4 days a week will be made compulsory « in all companies and all employees for whom this is possible », also announced Jean Castex. « Elisabeth Borne, the Minister in charge of Labor, will conduct consultations with the social partners tomorrow, » he added.

« In addition, the obligation to wear a mask, already applicable everywhere indoors, will be extended especially in all city centers. The prefects will adopt the corresponding provisions in conjunction with the mayors, » said the head of government.

The essential

As of December 28, "it will be enough three months after your second injection, or your first if you have had the Covid, to be able to benefit from your booster". Until now, this deadline has been four months.
As of next Monday, January 3, large gatherings will be limited to a maximum of 2,000 people indoors and 5,000 outdoors.
Standing concerts will be prohibited.
The consumption of food and drink will be prohibited in all cinemas, theaters, sports facilities and public transport, including long distance.
Consumption in bars and cafes will only be permitted for seated customers.
All wishing ceremonies scheduled for January have been canceled.
From the start of the school year and for a period of three weeks, recourse to teleworking will be made "compulsory" in all companies and for all employees for whom it is possible, at a minimum of three days per week and, if possible. , four days.
The start of the school year, scheduled for January 3, is not postponed and classes are not switched to distancing.
Wearing a mask will be compulsory outdoors, in all city centers.
For the time being, a curfew is ruled out but the executive will study the issue again at the next defense council convened on January 5.

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Gabriel MIHAI

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