The gradual easing of health restrictions, promised by the government, is slowly being put in place. “The evolution of the situation allows us to envisage an easing of the constraints from the beginning of February”, promised Prime Minister Jean Castex, on December 20. Despite the increase in admissions to hospital and intensive care in France, the first lifting of constraints are scheduled for Wednesday and the horizon of the French, poisoned by two years of pandemic, finally emerges. 20 minutes takes stock of this Advent calendar, end of pandemic version.
End of wearing the mask outside
A breath of fresh air: wearing a mask is no longer compulsory outside from Wednesday. For Ile-de-France residents, the rule finally becomes clear after many procrastination. The Paris police headquarters confirmed the lifting of the obligation in a press release on Monday. However, she encourages wearing a mask “when respecting social distancing is not possible”.
#COVID19 | End of wearing a mask outdoors in Paris and on the premises of the three Parisian airports, from February 2, 2022.
🔵 For more information, see our press release ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/iVrGVrWJkY
— Prefecture of Police (@prefpolice) January 31, 2022
A piece of advice that also provides the government, which evaluates this distance to one meter. Other barrier measures such as hand washing, room ventilation and social distancing should always be followed.
Telecommuting only recommended
At the beginning of January 2022, the executive had imposed on companies to grant their employees at least three teleworking days per week. After a month, it’s over. From Wednesday, telework is only recommended. This new way of working should not disappear however, while 40% of telework employees would like more days away from their company.
Gauges raised for seated events
1,000 or 10,000 people: concerts, stadiums or cultural establishments where spectators are seated no longer have a limit. The government, which had introduced gauges of 2,000 people indoors and 5,000 outdoors, lifted them for seated events. Wearing a mask will however remain compulsory as well as the vaccination pass.
Other restrictions soon to be lifted
The second stage of the easing of sanitary restrictions will arrive on February 16. Concerts and standing consumption in cafes and bars will again be permitted. And good news for dance lovers: the nightclubs, which have suffered greatly from the pandemic, will reopen. What to put back the collective outpourings of joy in the daily life of the French, very gloomy since the arrival of the Covid-19.