The French government has decided to close nightclubs for the next four weeks to reduce the spread of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19, in view of the festive events for Christmas and New Year.
Prime Minister Jean Castex has announced that nightclub and discotheque owners, as well as event companies, will be compensated.
Castex also called on citizens to limit their social contacts, business and private parties, but clarified that at present there is no reason to impose a curfew or a curfew at night.
The fifth wave of the pandemic "requires new measures", the French Prime Minister explained, noting that the number of cases is still high, but the situation is better compared to last year, because 52 million French people have been vaccinated.
Today 11.308 new cases and 192 deaths were announced. 2.191 patients are treated in intensive care units.
Castex said measures would be stepped up in primary schools, especially as regards distance keeping. Overweight children or those with other underlying diseases, aged 5-12 years can be vaccinated from December 15.
Health Minister Olivier Veran said that the voluntary vaccination of all children aged 5-11 could start from December 20, if the health authorities give the green light.
As for teleworking, Castex said the government's goal is for as many workers as possible to work from home for two or three days a week.
Regarding the Omicron variant, Veran said that so far 25 positive cases have been identified in the country, of which 21 were "imported" from South Africa and the other four are due to local transmission.
Source: RES-EAP