Countries across Europe are tightening restrictions as infections rise and the new Omicron variant spreads through the continent
The Prime Minister of France – Jean Castex has tightened the Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions over the rising number of Omicron cases.
As per the new restrictions, it will be compulsory for people from January 3, 2021, to work remotely, wherever possible. They will have to work from home for 3 days a week. In addition, the public gatherings would be limited to 2,000 people for indoor events.
Castex also announced that there will be no curfew on New Year’s Eve. Schools will also re-open on January 3, 2022.
Speaking to media, Castex said that the pandemic is like ‘A film without an ending’. The Health Minister of France – Olivier Veran has warned that infections were doubling every 2 days, which could lead to a mega wave of new cases.
The outdoor gatherings will be restricted to 5,000 people. There will be a ban on eating and drinking on long distance transport. Nightclubs will remain closed until further notice and cafés and bars will be able to provide table service only.
Taking it to twitter, Castex tweeted (translated to English), “As an extension of the arrangements already made, in particular the closing of nightclubs, we have adopted the following additional measures which will apply for a period of 3 weeks.” Original tweet in French:
Dans le prolongement des dispositions déjà prises, notamment la fermeture des discothèques, nous avons adopté les mesures complémentaires suivantes qui s’appliqueront pour une durée de 3 semaines : pic.twitter.com/kNyc982g8d
— Jean Castex (@JeanCASTEX) December 27, 2021
Mask wearing will become compulsory in city centres. The Government has also reduced the duration between booster shot and second shot, from 4 months to 3 months.
Talking of reducing the booster jab timing, Catsex tweeted (translated to English), “From tomorrow, it will be enough 3 months after your second injection (or your first if you have been affected by #COVID19) to be able to benefit from your booster. Doses are available everywhere in France.” Original tweet in French:
Dès demain, il suffira de 3 mois après votre deuxième injection (ou votre première si vous avez été atteint par la #COVID19) pour pouvoir bénéficier de votre rappel.
— Jean Castex (@JeanCASTEX) December 27, 2021
Des doses sont disponibles partout en France.
→ https://t.co/sGpUtk5csy
He also said that Council of Ministers have adopted a bill that will transform the health pass into a vaccination pass. This means that to access public places, people will have to carry this vaccination pass, which will be a proof of vaccination. A negative RT PCR report will not do. It will come into effect from January 15, 2022, if Parliament approves a draft bill.
As per the data available, France currently has an average of more than 70,000 new daily infections. More than 1,600 hospitalisations were reported on Monday, i.e., December 27, 2021, bringing the total number of people in hospital to 17,000.
Countries across Europe are tightening restrictions as Omicron cases are rising. U.K. is in the severe grip of Omicron. Although the early studies suggest the strain is milder than Delta, with a 30% to 70% lower chance of infected people ending up in hospital, there are fears the sheer number of cases could overwhelm hospitals.
Gatherings in Germany have been restricted. Gyms, swimming pools, nightclubs and cinemas have been closed to the public in several States. Private gatherings of vaccinated people has been limited to a maximum of 10. From January 3, 2022, bars and restaurants in Greece will have to close by midnight and tables will be limited to 6 customers.
