Covid-19: gatherings, alcohol, wearing a mask … overview of local restrictions during the holidays

Towards new restrictions for New Years Eve? “If we see that there is a very strong resumption of the epidemic linked to the Omicron variant and a risk”, the executive could be required to take new measures by then, said government spokesman Gabriel Attal, while a health defense council is due to take place after Christmas.

Locally, measures have already been announced in recent days mainly to limit gatherings at a time when the number of cases is soaring by renouncing the usual concerts and fireworks, and by prohibiting the consumption of alcohol on the public highway. Here is an overview, not exhaustive, of what awaits the French for the two New Years Eve.

This is the case of the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the prefecture having issued a decree this Thursday, December 23 to prohibit “any gathering of two or more people giving rise to the consumption of alcoholic beverages on public roads”. Likewise, the “consumption of food on public roads as part of festive gatherings” is prohibited.

Note that these measures apply throughout the department on 24, 25, 31 December and 1 January, the prefecture justifying them by the health situation, and in particular in hospitals due to the care of “158 people for Covid-19 including 24 in intensive care” to December 20.

For its part, the Prefecture of Finistère has issued an order restricting the closing times of drinking establishments and restaurants during the two Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. In detail, the establishments concerned will have to close respectively at 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. on the nights of December 24 to 25 and then from December 31 to January 1.

In the other Breton departments, the prefectures should take similar decisions.

Faced with the deterioration of the health situation and the influx of tourists in the resorts, the prefect of Savoy issued a decree this Friday, December 24 establishing new restrictions, and in particular the wearing of a mask outside for any gathering bringing together more than 10 people, in the markets or in the queues. Measures that will remain in force until January 4 and are in addition to those already in force.

In the 38 Savoyard ski resorts, it is also forbidden to eat or drink while standing. Are concerned: cable cars and ski lifts, hotels, bars or restaurants … Alcohol consumption – mulled wine included! – on public roads is also prohibited from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Appellant “to the greatest vigilance and responsibility during these holidays”, the authorities of Haute-Savoie announced this Wednesday, December 22, that restrictions for Christmas and New Year evenings. These relate to alcohol consumption and outdoor festivities on public roads which will be prohibited on the nights of December 24 and 31. The press release from the prefecture specifies that it will be forbidden to consume alcoholic drinks from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. “including on Christmas markets”, throughout the department.

Typical festive events “fireworks and pyrotechnics shows” will also be banned on December 24, 25 and 31 as well as January 1.

The prefect of Oise also called for the spirit of responsibility on the eve of the end of the year celebrations, recalling that discos are closed and that dancing activities in bars and restaurants are prohibited until January 6. .

Again, all alcohol consumption on public roads from December 31 at 8 p.m. to January 1, 2022 at midnight is prohibited, as is the sale, transport and use on public roads of fireworks between December 24 and January 2. It is also prohibited, from December 31 at 8 a.m. until January 1 at midnight, to distribute, transport, sell and buy fuel in cans or transportable containers.