THE CHEKING PROCESS – The opposition is worried about insufficient supply, while demand is increasing. Should we be worried about it?
THE QUESTION – Since the beginning of the year, FFP2 masks have become essential. While the Omicron variant caused infections to jump, these masks, recognizable by their “beak of a duckare sought after and promoted by some political representatives. Guest of the RTL-LCI-Le Figaro Grand Jury at the beginning of January, the deputy of the Alpes Maritimes Éric Ciotti called for “the generalization of FFP2 masksby highlighting the best protection they offer against the risk of contamination.
Read alsoCovid-19: faced with the Omicron variant, should we prefer the FFP2 mask?
A proposal immediately taken up by another participant in the LR primary and current health adviser to Valérie Pécresse, the doctor Philippe Juvin. The two supporters of Valérie Pécresse also deplored the supposed lack of stocks of FFP2.
The right is not the only political side to promote the use of these masks. Jean-Luc Mélenchon also demanded that the government distribute FFP2s to all French people as soon as possible, starting “by the teachers“. The LFI candidate for the presidential election also assured that he would provide it in his campaign meetings, as did the communist candidate Fabien Roussel.
“The government, which plans nothing, which organizes nothing […] let production of FFP2 masks collapse by 90% last year“Finally castigated Jean-Luc Mélenchon. Accusations that the executive categorically refutes: in an interview with Le Point, the Minister Delegate for Industry, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, assured that the strategic stock of FFP2 masks had been replenished: those worrying about a shortage “are wrong“, said the minister to the weekly. “We reloaded the stock, contrary to what our predecessors had done when they were in business: they had sacrificed it!“, she added, considering that there is “no shortage of FFP2 today“.
What is it really ? Did French production of FFP2 masks really collapse last year? Can it keep up with current demand? And has the State properly reconstituted its stock of FFP2 to overcome any supply difficulties?
This article is for subscribers only. You have 69% left to discover.
Cultivating your freedom is cultivating your curiosity.
Keep reading your article for 1€ the first month
Already subscribed? Login