France is largely easing its corona restrictions. From now on there is no longer a general obligation to wear a mask indoors.
Paris – The mask requirement in France is no longer applicable in large areas of public life. The French can also leave their vaccination card at home. There are a few exceptions. But the country has almost completely lifted its strict corona measures from this Monday (March 14).
Corona rules: hardly any masks are required in France
Masks are only compulsory in public transport and medical facilities, such as when visiting old people’s homes. Masks are also officially no longer compulsory in the workplace. However, companies are free to recommend wearing corona protective masks.
Faced with a resurgence in numbers, Prime Minister Jean Castex recommended in the newspaper Le Parisien that the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions continue to wear a mask indoors and at gatherings.
Corona in France: the French leave their vaccination certificates at home
Vaccination cards no longer have to be presented in cinemas, cafés, museums and restaurants. In hospitals and retirement homes, only a health pass is required, which can also consist of a negative corona test. Emergencies are excluded.
A kind of 2G rule has been in force in France since mid-January, for example to be able to visit sports facilities, museums, cinemas or restaurants. As a result, unvaccinated people were denied access.
Corona situation in France
In France, there are ups and downs in the corona numbers. At the beginning of the year, the number of infections in the country of 65 million people had reached a high. The seven-day incidence was around 3800 at the time. When the measures were announced, the number of infections in France fell rapidly. However, the numbers have been rising again for a little over a week. The seven-day incidence has recently risen to more than 600. However, fewer than 2000 Covid patients are in intensive care units across France. For comparison: In Germany, the incidence is currently over 1,500. The number of Covid intensive care patients is well over 2000.
According to an expert, there are several reasons for the increase in corona numbers: On the one hand, the spread of the omicron variant BA.2*, on the other hand, the end of the winter holidays and the waning acceptance of the distance rules among the population. Prime Minister Jean Castex ruled out changing the easing strategy on Saturday. He also announced that people over the age of 80 can now receive a fourth dose of corona vaccine if the third vaccination was more than three months ago. (afp/dpa/ml) *Merkur.de is an offer from IPPEN.MEDIA
Header list image: © Aurelien Morissard / image
