The restrictive measures linked to the Covid-19 epidemic will continue in France. During an exchange with young people in a training center for industrial trades in Stains (Seine-Saint-Denis), Emmanuel Macron called Monday 1er March to “Hold” again “Four to six weeks” before you can loosen some stresses.
Arrested by a young man who asked him to “Extend the curfew until 7 p.m., because it’s hard”, the Head of State urged him with a smile to “Hold out for a few more weeks”, found Agence France-Presse (AFP). “Four to six weeks”, he added, during a visit to the L’Industreet website.
While the indicators of the epidemic have started to rise again, new restriction measures could soon be enacted in around twenty departments under “Enhanced vigilance”.
Towards an extension of local containments
Consultations are currently underway between prefects and local elected officials of these departments, located in particular in Ile-de-France and around the large metropolises (Lyon, Marseille, Lille). Local confinements on weekends, such as those prevailing in Nice and Dunkirk, could be ordered at the end of these consultations.
At the same time, the executive is counting on the rise of vaccination, especially among the most vulnerable and caregivers, in order to try to alleviate hospital pressure. Jean Castex announced Thursday that in mid-May “All people over 50 will have been offered a first injection” against Covid-19. And by the end of March, “Two thirds of people over 75 will be vaccinated”, again assured the Prime Minister.
The head of state is also due to hold a meeting this week with members of the government to prepare for the establishment of a “Health pass”, which will not be a “Vaccination passport”, with a view to reopening cultural venues and restaurants closed by the pandemic.
Our selection of articles on Covid-19
www.lemonde.fr