Vaccination pass, outdoor mask, teleworking … What to remember from Jean Castex’s announcements


The health restrictions linked to the Covid-19 pandemic will be lifted little by little, Prime Minister Jean Castex confirmed at a press conference on January 20.

The government justified this relief by reducing the number of patients in intensive care. According to Jean Castex, the wave of contamination linked to the Delta variant is ebbing everywhere in France. That linked to Omicron is beginning to stall in certain regions, particularly in Ile-de-France.

“The wave of contamination is not over, but the situation is starting to evolve in a more positive way,” said the head of government.

January 24: entry into force of the vaccination pass

The vaccination pass will come into effect on January 24, subject to the decision of the Constitutional Council expected tomorrow. In concrete terms, all people over the age of 16 will be required to present a complete vaccination schedule or a Covid-19 recovery certificate to access bars, restaurants, theatres, cinemas, TGVs, etc. A negative test will no longer be sufficient except for visits to hospitals or retirement homes.

Jean Castex clarified that a complete vaccination schedule included a booster dose for adults, within seven months after their second dose. This period will be reduced to four months from February 15. The booster dose will also be accessible to 12-17 year olds, but without obligation, from January 24.

People who have taken their first dose will also be entitled to a vaccination pass, while waiting to receive the second and subject to a negative test dating back less than 24 hours. “Our vaccines are extremely protective,” insisted the Prime Minister, whose objective is to reach 100% of people vaccinated (against 93% of adults who have received their first dose currently). He indicated that a fully vaccinated person had 4.5 times less risk of catching Covid-19, and 25 times less risk of being hospitalized in intensive care because of Covid-19.

February 2: End of gauges and compulsory telework

On February 2, the gauges will be removed for all sports and cultural establishments. Stadiums, concert halls and cinemas will therefore be able to accommodate the maximum number of spectators again.

Telework, hitherto imposed three days a week on all companies able to set it up, will no longer be compulsory. However, it will remain highly recommended.

Finally, wearing a mask will no longer be compulsory outdoors.

February 16: Reopening of nightclubs

February 16 will mark the reopening of nightclubs. Consumption in cinemas, transport and stadiums will again be authorized.

Standing concerts and standing consumption in bars can resume.

Jean Castex recalled that all the economic support mechanisms for the most affected sectors (hotels, restaurants, etc.) would be maintained. A reduction in the health protocol at school may also be considered when returning from the February holidays. “We must be confident, while remaining very vigilant,” he concluded.



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