The rules also change for contact and vaccinated people. From now on, only one test is necessary (self-test, PCR or antigen) two days after being declared a contact case, instead of three currently. If the self-test is positive, an antigen or PCR test is still necessary to confirm the result. The duration of isolation remains unchanged in the event of a positive test.
In schools, after zone B, it is zone A (Academies of Bordeaux and Poitiers in particular), back from vacation, which sees the constraints ease. The protocol in schools goes to level 2, which allows the mask to be removed during recess and allows more mixing between students of the same level. From Monday, a child declared a contact case will only have to do one self-test, two days later, before being able to return to class if he is negative.
“Vigilance” and “optimism”
Measures justified, according to the government and the High Council for Public Health (HCSP), by the epidemic decline and the constant decline in the number of hospitalizations since the peak reached at the end of January.
Facing the deputies on Thursday, Olivier Véran repeated “consider lifting the pass in mid-March” if the decline trajectory is confirmed, particularly in terms of hospitalizations. The Minister of Health considered with “vigilance” and “optimism” the return to a “normal” life, which could be envisaged “in the coming weeks”.
The decline of the fifth wave continues: 25,484 people infected with Covid-19 were hospitalized on Friday, or 634 less than the day before. 2,546 patients are cared for in critical care services.