Nina Droff and Solène Delinger 2:08 p.m., January 29, 2022
Has the government been too optimistic?
On Wednesday, part of the health restrictions will be lifted in France.
However, a new contamination record was crossed on Friday with 300,000 cases.
Invited to "Europe midi" this weekend, virologist Christine Rouzioux is sounding the alarm.
The countdown to begin before the long-awaited lifting of health restrictions in France.
On Wednesday, the French will no longer be forced to wear the mask outdoors or to telecommute three or four days a week.
Yet the Omicron variant continues to spread rapidly across the country.
End of the telework obligation
The French will finally be able to breathe.
On Wednesday, the health restrictions will indeed be partially lifted.
The mask will no longer be compulsory outside and in large establishments that receive the public.
The gauges will be removed but you will still have to keep your mask.
There will no longer be a capacity limit, therefore, for stadiums or even performance halls.
But beware, this only applies to places where people are sitting.
It will be necessary to wait until February 6, for example, for the resumption of standing concerts.
And finally, from Wednesday, the obligation to telecommute three or four days a week will also be lifted, even if it is still recommended to work partly at home.
A sub-variant of Omicron
Would government measures not be premature?
France has indeed crossed the threshold of 300,000 contaminations on Friday.
"The viral circulation remains really important. And above all, it remains on a plateau", underlines Christine Rouzioux, professor of virology and member of the Academy of Medicine, at the microphone of Europe 1. "In fact, a new element has appeared after the new schedule of government barrier measures: sub-variant of Omicron".
And the virologist sounds the alarm: “It is more contagious than Omicron. It risks extending the fifth wave beyond February”.
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Lifting of restrictions everywhere in Europe
The lifting of restrictions does not only concern France.
It is also spreading to our European neighbours.
In the United Kingdom, there is no longer a need for health passes for public events and the mask is no longer compulsory indoors.
In Catalonia, the curfew in force in certain parts of the region has been lifted and the unit pass has simply been abolished since yesterday because it was deemed ineffective in the face of the Omicron wave.
Even the Netherlands, which had very strict restrictions, is starting to loosen the screw.
This week, bars and restaurants have reopened, although they are due to close at 10 p.m.
And from Monday, classes will no longer be systematically closed in the event of contamination among the students.