COVID-19 has shaped our lives for two years. After a hopeful summer, the highly contagious Omicron variant resurfaced this winter, prompting new measures. Prime Minister Jean Castex outlined a less stringent protocol on January 20 to combat its spread. Key changes include the vaccination pass rollout, dropping capacity limits, easing outdoor mask rules, and reopening nightclubs. Here's what you need to know.
“We can lift most restrictions in February, thanks to the vaccination pass effective next Monday,” Prime Minister Jean Castex stated during a Matignon press conference.
Starting January 24—pending Constitutional Council approval—the vaccination pass replaces the health pass for those 16 and older. It's required for restaurants, cinemas, sports venues, museums, and performance halls. Children under 16 are exempt, but boosters open to 12-17-year-olds, including those with chronic conditions. "For 12-17 year olds with chronic pathologies, boosters are now available as in neighboring countries. We're extending this option to all, voluntarily, from next Monday," Jean Castex announced.
Prefects' outdoor mask mandates end February 2; masks are no longer required outdoors nationwide. Telework shifts from mandatory 3-4 days to recommended where feasible. Capacity limits lift for outdoor venues over 5,000 and indoor over 2,000.
Life nears normalcy: discotheques reopen after closing December 10—vaccination pass only, no extra tests. Standing consumption resumes in bars. Eating returns in cinemas, transport, and stadiums—popcorn at movies is back!
Protocols under review. Jean Castex expects a "lightened" sanitary protocol post-February holidays, easing elementary school masks and discussing child self-tests. “With three holiday zones, we'll assess progress and consult health authorities back-to-school to adapt further,” he said. Official holidays end March 7.
