Direct COVID-19: The epidemic is growing in France, the number of cases up 16% each week

By Rédaction Actu Published the updated on 27 Oct 21 at 14:26ActuSee my news

If he did not speak of the fifth wave, Gabriel Attal expressed, this Wednesday, October 27, 2021, the government's concerns about the epidemic situation. The spokesperson indeed explained, during a press briefing at the end of the Council of Ministers, that France was faced with a more or less significant “epidemic rebound” depending on the region.

Latest restriction measures, figures, hospital pressure… Find here all the live information concerning the health situation.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27

5,400 cases of contamination detected each day on average

Proof that the epidemic is progressing in France, the government spokesman, Gabriel Attal, has indicated that the number of new cases of Covid-19 was increasing "by 16% on average each week". In total, “5,400 cases” are detected “every day on average” throughout the territory.

As for the incidence rate, it now exceeds 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

He also pointed out that the hospital admission rate was rising again.

Closure of beds in hospitals: an investigation launched

In response to a study led by the President of the Scientific Council, Jean-François Delfraissy, revealing that 20% of hospital beds were closed for lack of caregivers, Gabriel Attal announced the launch of a survey “among all health establishments” to take stock of the situation.

He also explained that the “beds in double rooms” were “suspended” in order to limit the spread of the virus.

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2.6 million French people have had their booster shot

While 80% of French people have been vaccinated to date, the booster shot (the third dose) is still struggling to convince. Of the 6.8 million eligible people – the elderly and/or frail, caregivers, relatives of immunocompromised people – 2.6 million (30%) received it. "It's a lot, but it's still too little," said the spokesperson, who encourages the French to mobilize.

TUESDAY 26 OCTOBER

“A very slight rebound” in France but not yet a “fifth wave”

“There is a resumption of the epidemic almost everywhere in Europe (…) In France, there is a very slight rebound. Government spokesman Gabriel Attal was asked about the health crisis on Tuesday October 26, 2021 in the morning of Europe 1.

Contaminations are indeed on the rise again in France: the bar of 5,000 daily cases was crossed for the third consecutive day on Monday October 25 (5,084 Saturday, 5,259 Sunday, 5,293 Monday), after data from Public Health France, while the number of contaminations was under 4,700 until October 19.

"For the moment we cannot speak of a fifth wave", tempered Gabriel Attal, nevertheless calling to "be very careful" and again encouraging the most fragile people to do their vaccine booster with a third dose. .

MONDAY 25 OCTOBER

EMA gives green light to Moderna vaccine for vaccine boosters

After Pfizer, Moderna vaccine could be authorized as part of vaccine boosters against Covid-19. This Monday, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has indeed validated its use in adults.

According to the health agency, the latest data "shows that a booster dose of Spikevax [the product of Moderna, editor's note] given 6 to 8 months after the second dose leads to an increase in antibodies in adults whose level of antibodies was down”.

The vaccine is currently suspended in France for booster doses. However, the High Authority for Health (HAS) should in turn issue an opinion in a few days, validating or not the decision of the EMA.

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 22

Sharp drop in screening tests

Between October 11 and 17, 2.97 million tests were carried out compared to 3.2 million during the week previous year, i.e. a decrease of 244,800 tests.

According to the ministry's statistical service (Drees), this drop is "focused on the weekend", i.e. once the end of free tests has become effective, on Friday 15 October.

Since that date, tests are no longer reimbursed for people who are not fully vaccinated, with some exceptions (medical prescription, contact case, recent positive test, contraindication to the vaccine).

The drop appears “more marked for antigenic tests than for RT-PCR” and concerns “more particularly young adults”, according to DREES.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20

Accelerating the booster campaign

Launched in early September in France, the vaccination booster campaign, intended to strengthen the immunity of vaccinated people, particularly against new variants, must now "accelerate". The government spokesman, Gabriel Attal, indeed insisted after the Council of Ministers on the importance of this third dose for the people concerned.

He recalled that the "effective protection conferred by the first two doses" could "weaken after six months". To date, only a few audiences are eligible for this reminder:

A health pass conditional on the third dose?

At the end of the Council of Ministers, Gabriel Attal also returned to the question of the health pass and the third dose of vaccine. Would the precious sesame only be valid after the booster dose? "It's a track that is gaining ground," said the government spokesperson.

For now, however, "no decision has been made", he concluded.

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 15

HAS advises against Moderna for the booster dose

While a third dose of vaccine is already necessary for people over 65, immunocompromised people as well as caregivers and frail people, the Haute Autorité de Santé advises against the use of the Moderna vaccine for this dose of reminder.

In question: “a possible increased risk of myocarditis and pericarditis” indicates the authority while recalling that “these remain rare and self-limiting in almost all cases”.

She recommends waiting for the conclusions of the European Medicines Agency and recommending the Pfizer vaccine.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 12

How far is vaccination going in France?

As of October 11, 2021, “75% of the total population has received at least one injection”, i.e. 59 9 million people, and "73% of the population is fully vaccinated", according to the latest figures from the Ministry of Health, released on Tuesday.

In addition, 1 million injections were performed last week, including “400,000 reminders”. These testify to “the rise in power of the reminder campaign”, open since September to certain audiences, including the elderly, caregivers and relatives of immunocompromised people, which amounts to “1.6 million reminders carried out in the October 10”.

As regards the youngest, 3.7 million 12-17 year olds received their first injection of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine, i.e. "73% of the coverage".

Finally, the ministry announced that France should receive 4.3 million additional doses this week.

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MONDAY OCTOBER 11

In Australia, Sydney is coming out of four months of confinement

In view of the drop in contamination and the progress of vaccination, the inhabitants of Sydney are released this Monday, October 11 from almost four months of strict confinement. The latter had been decreed in Australia's largest city to block the Covid-19 epidemic and the spread of the more contagious Delta variant.

Some places open to the public such as bars or restaurants are open again for vaccinated customers. Since June, stores, schools, businesses and businesses have been closed for so-called “non-essential” activities. »

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Vaccines 90% effective against severe forms of Covid-19

After analyzing data from 11 million vaccinated people over the age of 50 as part of a large study, the Epi-Phare scientific group, which includes the National Health Insurance Fund and the National Medicines Agency (ANSM), has revealed that vaccines are formidable in the face of the virus.

More specifically, these are 90% effective in reducing severe forms of Covid-19 “and this, until at least five months after a complete regimen”, explains the press release from Epi-phare. “This means that vaccinated people are nine times less likely to be hospitalized or die from Covid-19 than unvaccinated people”, continue the scientists.

The study will continue to be conducted to deepen this knowledge.

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SUNDAY OCTOBER 10

45,000 protesters against the health pass on Saturday

According to the Ministry of the Interior, 45,300 people demonstrated against the health pass across the country on Saturday October 9. They were 5,300 in Paris (3,600 in the procession of the Patriots and 17,00 in that of the Yellow Vests).

In the regions, 184 actions were counted.

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SATURDAY 9 OCTOBER

Positive for Covid-19, Adrien Rabiot forfeits the final of the Nations League

Sunday 10 October, the French football team faces the Spain in the final of the Nations League, a match in which Adrien Rabiot will not be able to participate. The midfielder has tested positive for Covid-19, according to the French Football Federation.

“As a result and as soon as the results were known, Adrien Rabiot was placed in solitary confinement. He will not join Milan with his teammates. »

For regulatory reasons, he will not be replaced and Didier Deschamps will therefore have to rely on a group of 21 players.

Self-tests will no longer be valid for the health pass

From October 15, 2021, there will not only be the end of the systematic free Covid-19 screening tests. The self-tests, "carried out under the supervision of a health professional", will also "no longer be recognized as proof for the health pass", said the Ministry of Health on Friday evening.

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“This device had indeed been deployed temporarily during the summer, in order to support the extension of the use of the health pass”, justifies the government.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 8

India reopens borders

The government has announced that India will reopen its borders to foreign tourists from October 15.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7

The government approves the third dose for caregivers

The government is following the opinion of the day before formulated by the HAS concerning the administration of a third dose for caregivers and relatives of the most fragile people. At the end of the Council of Ministers, this Thursday, October 7, the government spokesperson Gabriel Attal announced that this third dose would be accessible "from today", for eligible people with a complete vaccination schedule of more of 6 months.

The government spokesperson also clarified that there was "no obligation to recall" at this stage for those eligible.

While noting that only 1.5 million people have so far taken this third dose, among those over 65 and more fragile who are eligible, which he still considers insufficient.

No relief from the health pass before November 15

When asked about the issue, Gabriel Attal specified that there would be no further relief from the health pass for the moment, and " not before November 15. The government had requested the opinion of the Scientific Council on this question.

The government spokesperson reminded us that we had to remain vigilant, especially in this autumn period and the coming winter, when “the epidemic can start again”.

He specified that if adjustments were to take place after this date, it could be a “national decision, by sector”, indicating that it was still “too early” to be formal.

For the moment, the health pass is applicable until November 15, pending the health bill seeking to extend it until the summer of 2022, which will be examined at the meeting on October 19.

End of the compulsory mask at school for 21 new departments

From Monday, October 11, 21 new departments will be added to the list of the 47 others in which the mask is no longer compulsory at school, according to a decree published in the Official Journal this Thursday, October 7.

The departments concerned: Hautes-Alpes; Dawn; Upper Corsica; Doubs; Eure-et-Loir; Haute-Garonne; Gironde; Ille-et-Vilaine; Lot; Lot-et-Garonne; North ; Oise; Puy de Dome ; Pyrenees-Atlantiques; Hautes-Pyrenees; Eastern Pyrenees ; Lower Rhine; Savoy; Territory of Belfort; The meeting ; Mayotte.

You can also find them at this address

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 6

HAS recommends a third dose for carers and relatives of frail people

Following the recommendation of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), Haute health authority (HAS) has given its opinion on the administration of a third dose, the famous vaccine booster, to boost immunity against the virus.

Already possible for people over 65 and people most at risk of severe forms of Covid-19, this third dose should not concern everyone for the moment. Contrary to the recommendations of the EMA, the HAS recommends extending this vaccination booster first to caregivers, professionals in the medico-social sector and those in medical transport. This would concern 3.5 million people.

The health authority is also considering it for those around immunocompromised people.

A question that will be on the menu of the Health Defense Council on Thursday, October 7. "The decision has not yet been made," assured the Minister of Health Olivier Véran, during a trip to a Paris pharmacy on Wednesday.

TUESDAY OCTOBER 5

The extension of the health pass on the menu of the Assembly on October 19

This is a measure that could once again inflame the debate. The bill to extend the state of health emergency and the use of the health pass will be examined in the National Assembly on Tuesday, October 19 in first reading, as indicated in the agenda of the Assembly.

This text, considered essential by the executive in the pursuit of the fight against Covid-19, must be presented on October 13 to the Council of Ministers, for adoption before November 15, the deadline until which the current restrictive measures apply, including the health pass. The government would like to be able to use it until the summer of 2022.

MONDAY OCTOBER 4

The European Medicines Agency approves a third dose for those over 18

A third dose for everyone soon? The European Medicines Agency (EMA) authorized this Monday, October 4, 2021 the administration of a third dose of the Pfizer / BioNTech vaccine for 18 year olds.

In a report published on Monday, the EMA considers that "booster doses of Comirnaty can be considered for people aged 18 and over, at least 6 months after the 2nd dose", referring to the vaccine Pfizer. The agency considers that an additional dose allows "an increase in antibody levels". And therefore better longer-term protection against the virus.

The European regulator specifies that “decisions on recalls will be taken by public health bodies at national level”. For the moment, in France, only people aged 65 and over or considered to be the most fragile, at risk of serious forms of Covid and immunocompromised people, are affected by this third dose.

End of masks at school for certain departments

As of Monday, October 4, primary school students in 47 departments will no longer be required to wear masks.

You can also consult the list of departments concerned.

But it is still required in the enclosed spaces of colleges and high schools.

SATURDAY OCTOBER 2

The death toll exceeds 700,000 in the United States

More than 700,000 people have succumbed to Covid-19 in the United States since the start of the pandemic, according to the count of Johns Hopkins University Friday, October 1, 2021, equivalent to the population of the capital Washington.

There are still many unvaccinated people in the United States: the vaccination campaign launched with a bang by the American authorities in December – and which had reached a peak in April, with sometimes more than four million injections per day – slowed down sharply.

Just over 64% of the US population, or 215 million people, have received at least one dose of one of the three vaccines. Since then, many European countries have greatly exceeded this level.

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 1

Less than 1,700 classes closed, the decline continues

New drop this week in the number of classes closed due to Covid-19. In a press release, the Minister of National Education indicates that 1,692 classes are currently closed (compared to 2,366 on September 23).

This represents 8 closed school structures (seven schools and one high school).

An improvement in the health situation in recent weeks which has prompted the government to lift the obligation to wear a mask at school in 47 departments from Monday, October 4, and to set up a new experiment shortly health protocol in about ten departments.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 30

Reopening of ski resorts this winter

Ski resorts and their ski lifts will be able to reopen this winter, Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, Secretary of State for Tourism, announced Thursday, September 30, at the end of the Congress of French Ski Areas.

A reopening that will take place without a health pass, he assured, provided that the health situation continues to improve. Otherwise, restrictions will be provided for in the health vigilance bill, presented on October 13 in the Council of Ministers.

Here is the list of departments where the mask will soon no longer be compulsory at school

Since Thursday, September 30, we have known the list of departments where the obligation to wear a mask at school School will be lifted from Monday, October 4.

A total of 47 departments are affected by this restriction lifting, the list of which you can find in this article.

These are the departments where the circulation of the virus is the lowest, with an incidence rate that does not exceed the threshold of 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, over a minimum period of 5 consecutive days.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 29

Health pass could be extended until summer

Government plans to extend health pass by “several months”, door says - government spokesman Gabriel Attal: “What we want and are going to propose to Parliament is to maintain the possibility of using it for several more months, until the summer. »

The health pass must end on November 15.

A million people have received a third dose

During the same radio program, on France Inter, the Minister of Health also indicated that approximately one million people had so far received a third dose of vaccine, while "3 to 4 million people" can now claim it. The Minister of Health invited them to "get vaccinated without delay".

As a reminder, this third dose of vaccine against Covid-19 concerns 18 million French people, in particular “people aged 65 and over or carriers of chronic diseases”, recalled the Minister, specifying that not all of them are “ not affected all of a sudden, since you have to be six months from the second injection”.

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 28

Sanofi abandons its messenger RNA vaccine

The French laboratory Sanofi announced on Tuesday September 28, 2021 that it will not develop phase 3 trials for its messenger RNA vaccine against Covid-19, the last phase before marketing.

Despite positive results for phases 1 and 2 since the launch of trials for the vaccine candidate in March 2020, the group believes that it would arrive on the market too late, when 12 billion doses were expected to be released. here the end of the year.

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A new health protocol in schools

A new health protocol in primary schools will be tested, announced the Minister of Education, Jean-Michel Blanquer, on Tuesday, September 28, 2021.

Questioned on franceinfo, the minister confirmed that a new experiment will be launched “probably from the beginning of next week, in around ten varied departments” and not only those in which the virus circulates the most.

Life expectancy has fallen worldwide

According to a study carried out by European researchers in twenty-nine developed countries, including twenty-seven in Europe, Covid-19 has plunged 2020 life expectancy. This survey was published in the International Journal of Epidemiology on Monday, September 27.

According to the authors, “the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered a significant increase in mortality in 2020 on a scale not seen since World War II”.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 27

Paid screening tests from October 15

Free Covid-19 screening tests will soon be over, confirmed the Premier Minister Jean Castex, Sunday September 27, 2021, in an interview with Les Echos.

Already announced by Emmanuel Macron during his speech on July 12, the end of the reimbursement of so-called “comfort” tests will be effective from October 15, 2021. Jean Castex, however, specified that not everyone would be housed in the same brand.

SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 26

France will “double the number of doses [of anti-Covid-19 vaccine] that it gives” to poor countries, i.e. “120 million doses”, thus promised Emmanuel Macron in a tweet.

“The injustice is that in other continents, of course, vaccination is very late. Because of us, collectively. In Africa, barely 3% of the population is vaccinated“, he also recalled.

Other countries, such as the United States, have also announced their intention to increase their donations. Joe Biden said last Wednesday that he was committed to sending more than 1.1 billion doses to countries in need.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 25

In French Guiana, the incidence rate "has started to rise again at a high level with 496 cases per 100,000 inhabitants", details Public Health France. “The effective R is 1.12, reflecting this increase. »

This rebound is more or less high depending on the area: it is +5% for the island of Cayenne, +16% for Savanes. It is in the west that it is most marked: “the fourth wave has accelerated sharply for two weeks, with an increase in cases of + 68% in 7 days to reach an incidence of 555/100,000 inhabitants“, underlines the health agency.

An increase never before reached, which has repercussions on care services.

Finally, intensive care admissions have also increased significantly, with “26 admissions against 16 in week 2021-36”. Fifteen deaths were also reported last week, “one of the worst results since March 2020”.

Guyana, along with Guadeloupe, is the department with the fewest vaccinations in France: the vaccination rate (complete schedule) currently stands at 22.3%, compared to more than 71% nationally. .

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FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 24

More than 2,300 classes closed

The Ministry of National Education announced on Friday that 2,366 classes were closed in France as of Thursday September 23. This is a sharp drop compared to the situation last week, when 3,299 classes were closed.

The government specifies that this represents "19 school structures", including 18 schools and 1 college.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 23

Soon the end of the mask at school

The obligation to wear a mask in primary school will be lifted from October 4 in the departments least affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, the government spokesman announced on Wednesday.

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Second measure, “the gauges which apply in certain establishments open to the public will be lifted in these same departments”, he added. This mainly concerns the cultural sector, in particular standing concert halls as well as nightclubs, he then clarified.

The health pass maintained

The health pass is maintained for the moment in all French departments despite the decline in the epidemic which is "confirmed day after day", announced the spokesperson of the government, Gabriel Attal.

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 22

Leak of the Head of State's health pass

The QR code for Emmanuel Macron's health pass has leaked on Snapchat and Twitter social networks. According to the Elysée Palace, quoted by France Info, “the negligence or malice of several health professionals” is at the origin of this posting. It is not known under what circumstances the health pass of the Head of State could have been registered.

His QR code was accessible until Wednesday evening, before being deleted.

That of Prime Minister Jean Castex also circulated on the internet.

The National Council of the Order of Physicians has been seized and sanctions are planned.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 20

Local restrictions lifted?

In an interview with Le Parisien, Sunday September 19, the Minister of Health Olivier Véran announced the probable end of certain restrictions, such as the health pass.

“If the situation continued to improve, we could gradually ease the restrictions, first where the virus circulates the least, then throughout the territory. This relief could include the health pass. »

An idea also defended by Gabriel Attal, government spokesperson, who evokes on BFMTV the hypothesis of a “local health pass”, the application of which would depend on the epidemic situation of each region: “All the challenge in the coming weeks and months is to see how to keep tools which we have seen that they are proving their worth and which allow us to protect the French and maintain activity, and at the same time, to see how adapt them to the situation. »

A Defense Council is scheduled for Wednesday, September 22 to discuss this point.

Towards an extension of the health pass

At the same time, the government plans to extend the health pass beyond November 15. A bill will be presented on October 13 in the Council of Ministers and debated in the following weeks, according to Franceinfo.

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 18

In the Oise, the rules change concerning the wearing of a mask

From September 20, 2021, the rules for the obligation to wear a mask change in the Oise. The mask will remain mandatory in most places that bring together several people.

But with a falling incidence rate in the Oise, the prefecture has decided to relax its policy on the obligation to wear a mask. Thus, from September 20, the mask will no longer be compulsory in establishments, places and services subject to the health pass.

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New mobilizations against the health pass

Macron, your pass, we don't want it! " " Freedom ! Resistance ! “: for the tenth weekend in a row, demonstrators gathered in the streets in opposition to the application of the health pass.

However, the number of people mobilized continues to decline. "We are a little less numerous, indeed", confirmed to our journalists from Orne Hebdo a demonstrator in Alençon (Orne), "but it's still not bad for a tenth weekend of mobilization", he estimated. .

In Caen (Calvados), the 10th act of the movement against the introduction of the health pass brought together around 700 people. A mobilization down from the previous Saturday when they were a thousand.

But on the side of the police, it was quite different: in several strategic places in the city, personnel were in place. Both to prevent overflows, but also to contain the course of the event.

In Toulouse, there were 1,500 anti-sanitary pass demonstrators pounding the pavement, according to the prefecture. After a violent brawl last week between demonstrators and far-right activists, hundreds of people chanted "Toulouse, Toulouse, antifa" in the parade or "Down with the state, the cops and the fachos".

Among the thousands of demonstrators in Montpellier – 3,000 according to the prefecture – Josiane, 71, a commercial retiree, claimed to be unvaccinated: “I had always trusted medicine and vaccines. But there I have the impression that there is something unhealthy that we do not control. »

In Paris, finally, two parades were announced: the Yellow Vests meet at noon, place du Maréchal-Juin. At Trocadéro, it was far-right politician Florian Philippot who called for a demonstration from 2 p.m.

17,000 demonstrators were expected in Paris according to a police source quoted by franceinfo, while up to 120,000 people were expected to take to the streets in total this Saturday.

Garden sales, flea markets, jumble sales… Update on sanitary rules

Despite the start of the new school year, and if the most favorable period remains the beginning of spring and summer, there is still time to take advantage of sunny days to unearth great finds at garage sales, flea markets, all-purpose fairs or clearance sales.

Especially since many of these events have not been able to take place normally since last year, due to the Covid-19 health crisis. But questions arise: health pass or not? What access rules? What protocol? We help you see more clearly in this article.

Caregivers demonstrate for the withdrawal of compulsory vaccination

“Applause in 2020, suspended in 2021”. This slogan, which could be read on certain signs during previous demonstrations by caregivers against the vaccination obligation, sums up the anger that is rumbling in hospitals.

Since the entry into force on Wednesday September 15, 2021 of the vaccination obligation for hospital staff as well as for nurses and private doctors, several people have been suspended because they refuse to be vaccinated. Layoffs that outrage the unions, which have launched calls to demonstrate everywhere in France.

"I did not get vaccinated, not even in a dream, and I resigned" from the Public Service, a nurse's aide from Ile-de-France told AFP in a white coat, in a demonstration at the call of the "Yellow Vests" in Paris. “The vaccine, we are not sure what is in it, we are not guinea pigs”, launched this 37-year-old woman, “angry and sad”, giving only her first name, Hager.

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Reunion is breaking down

They had been under cover since July 31. Since this Saturday, September 18, 2021, life seems to resume normally for the inhabitants of Reunion, with the lifting of the confinement put in place over the weekend. It is now possible to travel beyond the 10 kilometer limit.

The curfew is still in force, but it is postponed to 11 p.m. for all days of the week. As a reminder, since July 31, Reunion was subject to a curfew from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekdays and from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. on weekends.

However, gatherings of more than six people are still prohibited to avoid clusters, as is the consumption of alcohol on public roads.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 17

50 million French people received their first dose of vaccine

It was on Twitter that the Head of State chose to announce the news , this Friday evening: after the vaccination of Mauricette, the first person to receive a dose of vaccine against Covid-19 in France, millions of other French men and women followed the movement.

Evidenced by this video posted on the account of the president and in which he declares: "the vaccine saves lives, the virus kills, it's simple".

Of nearly 58 million eligible people over the age of 12, more than 86% have now received at least one injection.

In addition, as of September 16, Public Health France reported 47,222,749 people now having a complete vaccination schedule (i.e. 67% of the total population).

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16

Some 3,000 suspensions of unvaccinated healthcare workers

“Yesterday there were some 3,000 suspensions that were served on healthcare facility staff or medico-social who had not yet entered a vaccination course”, declared Olivier Véran on RTL, adding that there had also been “a few dozen resignations”.

“We are talking about an audience of 2.7 million employees,” added the minister, assuring that “continuity of care has been ensured”.

According to him, "many of these suspensions are only temporary" and concern "essentially support service personnel", "very few white coats". "Many of them decided to get vaccinated, seeing that the obligation was a reality," said Olivier Véran.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15

"The health improvement is confirmed day after day in France", declares Gabriel Attal

On the occasion of the report of the council of Ministers this Wednesday, government spokesman Gabriel Attal provided an update on the health situation linked to Covid-19 in France. “The health improvement is confirmed day after day,” he said, indicating that the number of daily cases is close to 10,000 on average, “down 25% compared to last week”.

The pressure on hospitals and intensive care units is also down by around 7% compared to last week.

The government spokesperson nevertheless called for vigilance, on the eve of autumn. "40% of the capacities of our intensive care units remain occupied by Covid patients, that's a lot".

The vaccination obligation for caregivers comes into force

The vaccination obligation against Covid-19 came into force on Wednesday September 15 for 2.7 million health professionals: hospitals, nursing homes retirement, self-employed carers, home helpers, firefighters, paramedics.

Those who cannot justify a first injection, a vaccine contraindication or recent contamination may be suspended by management, according to the law of August 5. “Those who have only received one dose will benefit from a tolerance period, until October 15, the time to receive their second dose,” said Gabriel Attal, government spokesperson.

According to the government, more than 9 out of 10 caregivers are now vaccinated.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 13

Bouches-du-Rhône, the most affected metropolitan department in France

Two weeks after the start of the school year, the figures linked to Covid-19 seem to have improve. Only one sector is still very affected by the virus: the department of Bouches-du-Rhône.

The latest data from Covid Tracker indicates an incidence rate of 364 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The highest in metropolitan France. The average incidence in the country is currently 109 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

The United Kingdom suspends its orders for the Valneva vaccine

This is a big blow for the Franco-Austrian laboratory Valneva: this Monday, September 13, 2021, it announced in a press release that it had "received a notice of termination” from the UK government regarding the “supply agreement” of its Covid-19 vaccine candidate, VLA2001.

In September 2020, Valneva announced a collaboration to supply up to 190 million doses until 2025. 100 million of these doses, manufactured in Scotland, had already been ordered.

The company also recently announced that phase 3 results are expected in early Q4 2021.

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Ehpad residents eligible for a third dose of vaccine

Like people over 65 and people said to be vulnerable to Covid-19, eligible since September 1, residents of Ehpad can now benefit from a third dose of vaccine.

The kick-off is given this Monday, September 13. People who wish to receive a third dose of vaccine must, however, present a delay of at least six months compared to the second dose.

The objective of this recall campaign is to increase the immunity of this part of the population, while the virus and its variants continue to circulate on French soil.

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End of the health pass in shopping centers in Seine-Saint-Denis

The health pass in shopping centers in Seine-Saint-Denis is over. The prefecture has lifted the obligation to present a health pass to access the department's shopping centers.

The withdrawal was then conditional on the improvement of the health situation: Seine-Saint-Denis had to have "an incidence rate of less than 200/100,000 and decreasing for at least seven consecutive days".

Since Monday September 6, 2021, Seine-Saint-Denis was the last department of Île-de-France to be affected by the precious sesame.

Health pass: mobilization down everywhere in France this weekend

More than 120,000 people again took to the streets of many cities in France on Saturday September 11, 2021 to protest against the health pass , a mobilization in sharp decline a few days before the entry into force of the vaccination obligation for the health professions.

This ninth consecutive weekend of protests was, however, the scene of clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement in the capital, at midday around the Champs-Elysées and in the early evening around the Palais- Royal, seat of the Council of State. At least 96 people were arrested, we learned from a police source.

Why the Covid-19 crisis almost cost her her leg: Émilie says

Émilie Blouet is a victim of Covid-19. Not that she was infected. But the health crisis, through its indirect effects, almost cost him his leg.

And if the young woman does not lose her smile when she recounts her misadventure, she can only admit her bitterness: for this sportswoman at heart, a former professional footballer, nothing will be the same again. His story can be found in this article.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 10

Management of the health crisis: the former Minister of Health Agnès Buzyn indicted

The former Minister of Health Agnès Buzyn had was summoned on Friday September 10, 2021 in the morning to the Court of Justice of the Republic (CJR) as part of an investigation into the management of the Covid-19 epidemic by the French authorities. She was finally indicted for "endangering the lives of others", announced the general prosecutor's office of the CJR.

The former minister was also placed under the more favorable status of assisted witness for "voluntary abstention from fighting a disaster".

The questioning of Agnès Buzyn is thus the first in this vast dossier devoted to the way – still criticized today – in which the French authorities anticipated and then managed the coronavirus epidemic on a daily basis. It could be followed by other convocations targeting current or past members of the executive, including Olivier Véran or Edouard Philippe.

No more outdoor masks in the Pyrénées-Orientales

While he had decided to extend the measure until September 12, the prefect of the Pyrénées-Orientales will adapt the obligation to wear the mask in the department at the end of the weekend.

Indeed, while “the latest health data confirm the decline for several days in the spread of the Covid-19 virus in the P.-O. “, Étienne Stoskopt spoke out, by a prefectural decree, for a more flexible evolution of the rules relating to the wearing of a mask.

In concrete terms, the total obligation to wear a mask outdoors throughout the department, which was decided on July 17 at the heart of a critical summer in the Catalan country, will no longer be in force from Monday September 13. 2021.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

Vaccine against Covid-19: the third dose for all sparks heated debate

Necessary precaution to boost immunity against Covid-19 or measure without scientific basis and unequal for poor countries? The possibility of a third dose of vaccine for the entire population is the subject of heated debate.

Some countries, such as France, have started to administer this booster dose to certain categories of the population: the oldest (six months after their vaccination) and people with weakened immune systems.

Other governments have gone further, or wish to do so. In Israel, the third dose is available from the age of 12, five months after vaccination. The United States plans to launch a recall campaign from September 20 for all Americans with vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna.

WEDNESDAY 8 SEPTEMBER

The state of health emergency declared in New Caledonia

With a still very low vaccination rate (26% of the adult population fully vaccinated, against 68% nationally), an upsurge in Covid cases and very high hospital tension, the epidemic situation in New Caledonia has led the territory to establish a state of health emergency.

A decree unveiled at the end of the Council of Ministers specifies that the state of health emergency in New Caledonia comes into force this Thursday, September 9 at midnight and must last one month.

The Order of Physicians requests a booster vaccination for caregivers

Receiving a third dose of vaccine "as a priority" in order to fight against the spread of Covid-19 and its variants: such is the request of the National Order of Physicians towards doctors and health professionals.

In a press release dated September 7, the Order also recalls the need to "allow the most exposed and vulnerable people to have access to a booster vaccine".

As a reminder, since September 1, booster doses are only available to people over 80 and to people likely to develop very serious forms of Covid.

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The unemployment insurance reform applied from October 1

It had been postponed several times and then suspended due to the health crisis, but the executive did not forget it to as much. This Wednesday September 8, 2021, Jean Castex confirmed that the unemployment insurance reform would indeed be completed.

It will thus be "progressively applied" from October 1, and until December 1, 2021. This reform is however far from arousing unanimity, like the day of national mobilization planned for October 5 by many unions.

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TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 7

Puy-de-Dôme extends the compulsory wearing of a mask

Another department that has chosen to extend its restrictive measures. On Monday, the Puy-de-Dôme prefecture announced the extension of the wearing of a compulsory mask outdoors in certain cases (open-air markets, flea markets, outdoor queues, gatherings organized on public roads) until to October 1.

The epidemic situation seems to be improving, however, with the incidence rate in Puy-de-Dôme having been steadily falling since the middle of August 2021.

MONDAY SEPTEMBER 6

11 classes closed in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence for Covid cases

Shortly after the start of the school year, 11 classes in the Alpes- de-Haute-Provence were closed due to Covid cases.

In detail, four classes are concerned in Gréoux-les-Bains, two classes in Forcalquier, two classes in Peyruis, two classes in Manosque and one class in Pierrevert according to information from La Provence.

As a reminder, if there are Covid cases in a class, the whole class must close and students must isolate themselves for at least seven days, according to national education directives.

The Oise extends the compulsory wearing of a mask until September 19

The periods of validity are limited but the decrees follow one another. The Oise prefecture has announced that the obligation to wear a mask is again extended with the same conditions in the department.

This measure concerns the period from Monday September 6th to Sunday September 19th.

For its part, Public Health France has a Covid-19 incidence rate of 104 per 100,000 inhabitants in the Oise department. A figure which concerns the period from August 27 to September 2 and which is slightly down compared to previous weeks.

More than nine departments concerned by the health pass in shopping centers

The question of the health pass in shopping centers has been debated for several weeks, the government has finally decided.

On Monday, the Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire announced that from Wednesday September 8, 2021, only 64 shopping centers in nine departments will be subject to the health pass – compared to 178 out of 27 departments today.

In detail, the departments affected by this obligation are Var, Vaucluse, Alpes-Maritimes, Bouches-du-Rhône, Gard, Hérault, Corse-du-Sud, Rhône and Seine-Saint-Denis.

Since August 9, the health pass has been applied in certain shopping centers of more than 20,000 m², and by prefectural decision.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5

A less violent fourth wave?

Jérôme Salomon, Director General of Health, believes that the fourth wave is indeed present but “evolving positively with a 20% drop in new cases”.

And to continue: “Today the priority is to vaccinate those over 12 years old. For children under 12, studies are underway and we still have to wait”.

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SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 4

A relaxation of the pass in shopping centres?

Invited by France Inter this Saturday, September 4, the Minister of Labor Elisabeth Borne announced that she would not close the door to a relaxation of the rules concerning the health pass in shopping centers, depending on the evolution of the Covid-19.

This situation will be reviewed in the coming days.

At the beginning of August, the government asked the prefects to impose the health pass for surfaces of more than 20,000 m2 in the departments where the incidence rate of the epidemic exceeds 200 per 100,000 inhabitants over a week.

Justice has also suspended the decree in several departments, such as Yvelines.

Mobilization against the health pass

A new day of mobilization against the health pass is scheduled for this Saturday, September 4, the eighth since the start of the dispute.

Nearly 200 events are planned throughout France.

In Brest, the Yellow Vests are standing up against the introduction of the health pass introduced by the government as part of the fight against Covid-19. They have been making this known for a few weeks, by demonstrating in the streets.

In the Grand Est, the city center of Metz (Moselle) is likely to be lively on Saturday September 4, 2021. In Nancy, health anti-passes will also denounce a “restriction of freedoms” and certain reforms.

In Toulouse, on the eve of the mobilization, the prefecture announced, Friday, September 3, the ban on access to the hypercentre to any undeclared protest rally.

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 2

500 new caregivers in French Polynesia and the West Indies

The Minister of Solidarity and Health Olivier Véran launched an appeal on August 8, following to an epidemic resumption in French Polynesia and the West Indies. 500 new caregivers arrived this Thursday, September 2, 2021.

To date, nearly 1,800 caregivers have been sent as reinforcements. In terms of equipment, French Polynesia received more than 10,000 swabs, 60,000 antigenic tests and 30,000 self-tests. To which are added 32 oxygen concentrators, as well as 50,000 gowns.

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LIVE. Back to school 2021: follow this return day in schools, colleges and high schools

It's the big day for our little schoolchildren! For this new school year, the government is on the bridge to combine back to school and health prevention.

National Education has chosen to apply the "level 2" health protocol (out of 4). This protocol provides in particular that all students have face-to-face lessons and requires them to wear a mask indoors, except in kindergarten. Another measure: a case of Covid-19 in a primary class will also lead to a closure, as in June.

Our journalists are mobilized to follow everywhere in France this first day back on the benches of the school. To follow this day live, it’s here.

No "emergency" to administer a 3rd dose of vaccine according to the European Medicines Agency

In a press release published this Thursday, September 2, 2021, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has considered that there is no "urgent need" to administer a third dose of vaccine against Covid-19. With the exception of immunocompromised people, since they struggle to develop antibodies.

"All vaccines authorized in the EU are currently highly protective against hospitalizations, serious illnesses and deaths", justifies the European health authority, based on a study carried out jointly with the European Center for Prevention and disease control.

The main thing is to continue the vaccination, continues the Ema. On August 31, the bar of 70% of fully vaccinated adults (two doses) was crossed in Europe.

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French Polynesia extends its restriction measures

Since August 23, confinement, a curfew and rules limiting traffic have been in force in French Polynesia. And these measures will be extended, confirmed to franceinfo the High Commissioner of the Republic in French Polynesia, Dominique Sorain.

As a reminder, the confinement, which notably involves the closure of schools, was to end on September 5. The details of this extension will normally be revealed this Thursday evening.

The prefect of Hérault announces the extension of health measures

On July 21, the new prefect of Hérault, Hugues Moutouh, imposed the wearing of a compulsory mask throughout the department in the face of the threat of the 4th wave. On August 13, he was taking enhanced measures to deal with a very high incidence rate.

This “state of emergency” was to end on August 31, provided that sanitary conditions allow it. But this is not the case… On Wednesday September 1, the prefect confirmed the extension of health measures until September 15. Among which, the wearing of the mask which remains compulsory for those over 11 years old throughout the department.

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1

A computer flaw leaks the test results of 700,000 people

A flaw on a site transmitting the results of Covid tests carried out in pharmacies to the platform Francetest has made the personal data and test results of thousands of people accessible, Mediapart revealed on Wednesday August 31, 2021.

Thus, the names, surnames, dates of birth, addresses, telephone numbers, social security numbers and e-mail addresses, as well as the results of the tests of 700,000 people were available until Friday thanks to "a password that can be found, in plain text, in a file accessible to all” on the Francetest site.

WHO is closely monitoring the new variant B.1621, detected in Colombia

The World Health Organization (WHO) is monitoring a new variant of Covid-19, dubbed "Mu", which was first identified in Colombia in January, she said on the night of Tuesday August 31 to Wednesday September 1, 2021.

The variant – B.1621 according to scientific nomenclature – has for the moment been classified as a “variant to follow”, specified the WHO in its weekly epidemiological bulletin on the evolution of the pandemic.

WHO clarifies that the variant has mutations that could indicate a risk of “immune escape” (resistance to vaccines), and stresses that further studies are needed to better understand its characteristics.

Health pass: apprentices, work-study students… Are underage employees concerned?

The law of August 5, 2021 introduced the mandatory health pass, or the vaccination obligation, for a whole list of professions . Since August 30, 2021, employees, volunteers, service providers, temporary workers, subcontractors who work in the establishments concerned must present a complete vaccination schedule, a Covid-19 recovery certificate or a negative PCR or antigen test of less than 72. hours.

Some of these employees are minors. They are most often recruited by companies on a work-study contract. Whether it is an apprenticeship or professionalization contract, these minors must sign an employment contract, which makes them employees within the company. As a result, they are subject to the same regime as adult employees.

TUESDAY AUGUST 31

70% of Europeans are vaccinated

The objective has been achieved: on Tuesday August 31, the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced that 70% of adults are now fully vaccinated in the European Union.

“We need to go further. We need more Europeans to get vaccinated, ”warns Ursula von der Leyen on her Twitter account.

In France, according to the latest data communicated by the General Directorate of Health (DGS), nearly 87.7 million injections had been carried out as of August 30, 2021. 43.9 million French people benefit from a complete vaccination schedule (i.e. two doses).

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The health pass revoked in the Hauts-de-Seine shopping centers

It will only have been in effect for seventeen days in the So-Ouest shopping centers in Levallois-Perret and the store Confomara de Colombes.

The decree of the prefect of Hauts-de-Seine ordering the presentation of the health pass to access certain shopping centers was partially suspended by the courts, this Tuesday, August 31, 2021. The question of access to goods and services basic necessities was at the heart of the debates.

In his judgment, the judge in chambers also mentions the violation of the principle of equality: "given the objective pursued of controlling the epidemic, since the health situation is the same on the whole of the Hauts-de-Seine department and that the characteristics of these other shopping centers and their access conditions are similar to those of the So Ouest shopping center".

The Hauts-de-Seine thus join the Yvelines and Essonne in Ile-de-France regarding the suspension of the decrees. A request of the same kind in Paris must be examined this Tuesday at the administrative court of Paris.

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MONDAY AUGUST 30

End of the solidarity fund for companies

The solidarity fund for companies will be definitively abolished on September 30, except for overseas territories, announced Bruno Le Maire. The fixed cost support system will take over on October 1 and will this time be extended to all companies.

This scheme aimed to support companies hard hit by the health crisis.

The compulsory mask in the playgrounds of the Bouches-du-Rhône colleges and high schools

The rector of the Aix-Marseille academy, Bernard Beignier, announced that wearing a mask will be compulsory in the playgrounds of the colleges and high schools of the Bouches-du-Rhône. Primary schools are not affected.

This announcement only concerns the Bouches-du-Rhône department, which has the highest incidence rate of Covid-19 in mainland France. On Sunday August 29, 2021, it was 644 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for the entire population, and even higher among young people, with 814 cases per 100,000 individuals aged 10 to 19.

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Mandatory health pass for a new list of employees

In accordance with the law on the management of the health crisis, a new group of people working in structures open to the public must now present a health pass on their workplace. In total, 1.8 million employees are affected.

Thus, if you are in contact with the public in a restaurant, a bar, a gym, if you work for the SNCF or in a cultural place, you will have to provide proof of one of the three documents making up the sanitary pass. Namely: a complete vaccination schedule, a negative test less than 72 hours old or a positive test dating back at least 11 days and less than six months (certifying the recovery of Covid-19).

Employees without a health pass may take leave, telecommute, be assigned to a position that does not require a pass or be suspended without pay.

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No more mandatory health passes in Haut-Rhin shopping centers

The health pass has been mandatory in seven shopping centers in the Haut-Rhin department since August 20. But, seized in summary proceedings by a hypermarket concerned, the administrative court of Strasbourg has just rendered its decision: the corresponding decree does not guarantee "free access to basic necessities" and has been suspended.

A crushing blow for the government, which continues to defend the measure of the mandatory health pass in shopping centers. Moreover, according to government spokesman Gabriel Attal interviewed on Sunday, the executive will appeal the court decision.

FRIDAY, AUGUST 27

No vaccination obligation for teachers

The start of the school year is fast approaching and questions are multiplying around rules and health issues. After having detailed the health protocol for the start of the school year, Jean-Michel Blanquer confirmed that the obligation to vaccinate teachers was not relevant.

"We did not start with an obligation to vaccinate" indicated the Minister of National Education at the microphone of RTL.

THURSDAY AUGUST 26

A third dose from September 12

Prime Minister Jean Castex announced at the microphone of RTL that residents in nursing homes will be able to benefit from a third dose vaccine from September 12.

Note that those over 65 will be able to make an appointment “from the beginning of September”, announced the Prime Minister, recalling that a six-month period must be respected between the second and third dose.

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 25

Back to school postponed to September 13 in the West Indies

The decision was taken by the government in a health defense council, this Wednesday, August 25. In the West Indies, where the health situation is particularly worrying, the start of the school year will be postponed to September 13, announced government spokesman Gabriel Attal, after the Council of Ministers for the start of the school year. This concerns Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint-Barth and Saint-Martin.

A decision also valid in the red zones of Guyana. The government spokesperson clarified that the state of emergency will be extended in these territories until November 15, in the Antilles, Guyana and French Polynesia.

TUESDAY AUGUST 24

HAS recommends a third dose of vaccine

This “booster dose” is intended for people aged over 65 and those at risk to develop a serious form of Covid-19, recommends the High Authority of Health in an opinion issued on Tuesday.

It can be administered from the start of the flu vaccination campaign scheduled for the end of October”, indicates the authority.

The Valneva laboratory hopes that its vaccine will be more than 80% effective

The Franco-Austrian laboratory, whose head office is based in Saint-Herblain near Nantes, has submitted its request for authorization with the British health authorities.

“We hope that it will be more than 80% efficient”, announced its managing director Franck Grimaud on BFM Business this Tuesday, August 24, 2021.

The effectiveness of VLA2001 would therefore be lower than messenger RNA vaccines, such as those from Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna, which are around 95%. But it would be higher than that of the AstraZeneca and Johnson and Johnson vaccines, which work by viral vector and is between 60 and 70%.

MONDAY AUGUST 23

Towards a 3rd dose of vaccine offered to over 65s in September

Guest of the show Calvi 3D, on BMFTV, the Minister of Health Olivier Véran indicated that the virus "overwhelms us in territories where vaccination is insufficient", referring to the particularly worrying situation in the overseas territories.

According to the minister, the peak of the 4th wave of the epidemic could be reached “in a few days”.

As the President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron announced, the question of the 3rd dose of vaccine is well on the schedule of the Ministry of Health. Olivier Véran clarified that the High Authority for Health was soon to issue an opinion.

In the meantime, he confirmed that he had "asked (his) services to set up the 3rd dose program" for people who could benefit from it, namely people over 65 and people under 65 years the most fragile.

A 3rd dose that could be administered as early as September. Olivier Véran, however, clarified that there was no point in rushing to make appointments since it takes “6 months between the 2nd and 3rd dose”.

"The French have adapted to the health pass"

Invited on the set of France 2, the Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire believes that the French have adapted rather well to the health pass, since its establishment.

“After a period of adaptation, the French adapted. Consumption in restaurants increased by 5% between August 9 and August 15, ”he explained, while the anti health pass demonstrations gathered more than 175,000 demonstrators on Saturday August 21.

SUNDAY AUGUST 22, 2021

Level 2 health protocol in schools

Two weeks before the start of the school year, the Minister of National Education Jean-Michel Blanquer announced in an interview with the JDD, the implementation of level 2 of the health protocol from September 2. “Specific measures” will be taken in the coming days for Martinique, Guadeloupe and Guyana.

All students from kindergarten to high school will be able to attend face-to-face lessons in France and Corsica. The mask will be compulsory indoors for staff and students from CP to terminale. In terms of sports activities, contact sports are not authorized and distancing must apply according to the discipline.

College and high school students with contact cases and who have not been vaccinated will have to isolate themselves for a period of seven days. The measure had already caused strong reactions in July.

Concerning the vaccination of 12-17 year olds, the establishment of “ephemeral centers” will become widespread near schools from September “The prefects and regional health agencies are working at the moment. Free tests are also maintained in schools.

SATURDAY AUGUST 21, 2021

Strengthening of confinement and closure of schools in French Polynesia

In French Polynesia, the incidence rate has now reached 2,800 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, the highest in France. In this context, the president of the archipelago Edouard Fritch announced the closure of schools, colleges and high schools from Monday August 23.

The announcement of a tightening of the containment was also made for at least two weeks. The curfew, which ran from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m., will also be brought forward to 8 p.m.

Need for reinforcements in Martinique

In Martinique, the incidence is now around 1,200 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. The director of the ARS Jérôme Viguier thus alerted to the critical situation “we will still need reinforcements.

Currently, Martinique has around a hundred critical care beds and 500 medical beds “and that’s still not enough”.

FRIDAY AUGUST 20, 2021

While the health pass will be introduced for large shopping centers in the North, our neighbors in Belgium have decided to relax the measures taken against Covid-19 in shops , bars and restaurants from September 1, 2021.

The reopening of nightclubs is announced for October 1st. Decisions taken in the face of the mobilization of Belgians for vaccination with 8 out of 10 adults vaccinated.

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Wearing a mask is extended to new places in the Haut-Rhin

This Friday, August 20, the Haut-Rhin prefecture is imposing the obligation to wear a mask in structures where the control of the health pass is carried out. An announcement that cancels that of the decree published on August 9, which stipulated that wearing a mask was no longer compulsory in places where the health pass applied.

Discotheques, museums, cinemas, hospitals… All the details in this article.

The pandemic is stabilizing around the world this week

The Covid-19 pandemic has stopped accelerating this week around the world. With 643,100 contaminations recorded daily worldwide this week, the indicator stabilized at the same level as the previous week.

The pandemic had been gaining ground again since mid-June, fueled by a highly contagious Delta variant that had become the majority in many countries.

However, the situation continues to deteriorate sharply in North America. The United States is the country with the highest number of new infections in absolute value this week (139,100 daily cases, +10%), ahead of Iran (38,200, +2%) and India (34 900, -8%).

This information should be taken with a grain of salt. Indeed, the number of diagnosed cases only reflects a fraction of the actual number of contaminations and comparisons between countries should be taken with caution, as testing policies differ from one country to another.

The health bracelet for stockings and restaurants finally suspended

It will only have been operational for one night. The use of the "sanitary bracelet", presented with great fanfare by the union of trades and hotel industries (UMIH) of Gironde on Thursday, was suspended this Friday, August 20, 2021 morning.

These little white wristbands should allow customers with a valid health pass not to show their QR code again at the entrance to each establishment. 20,000 copies were to be distributed.

The stopping of this experiment, unprecedented on a national scale, follows strong criticism from mainly the general public.

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300 health professionals in reinforcement in the Antilles

After sending new reinforcements to the Antilles on Tuesday, more than 300 health professionals will fly away this Friday afternoon from the Parisian airport of Orly bound for Martinique and Guadeloupe, whose hospitals are saturated with cases of Covid-19.

In an attempt to relieve hospital services, patients have been evacuated to France for a few days, thanks to an airlift set up, made possible by Operation "Hippocampus".

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THURSDAY AUGUST 19, 2021

No aid for restaurateurs who do not "play the game"

Visiting Bayonne on Thursday August 19, the Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire put back on the table the application of the health pass by establishments welcoming the public and particularly restaurants.

As part of highlighting the recovery plan for SMEs, he announced that restaurateurs who do not respect the game "will not be entitled to any state aid". However, he recognizes difficulties in the “cultural world or cinemas”.

A meeting with stakeholders is scheduled for August 30.

New reinforcements in Martinique and Guadeloupe

The Ministry of Health has announced the evacuation of around ten patients in the coming days to mainland France. No less than 120 caregivers took the direction of Guadeloupe and Martinique on Tuesday.

Nearly 40% of the beds at the Guadeloupe University Hospital are occupied by Covid-19 patients, the morgue is saturated and the 46 intensive care beds are all occupied, explained to AFP, the director of the University Hospital, Gérard Cotellon. On the emergency side, there are no less than 80 passages for the Covid per day.

To relieve the intensive care units, new evacuations to mainland France are being organised. The transfer of eight patients by jumbo jet and three other patients by Falcon jet is envisaged by the Ministry.

40 million complete vaccinations

Since the start of the vaccination campaign in France, nearly 47 million people have received at least one vaccine injection (46,928,614 people), i.e. 69, 6% of the total population, according to figures from August 18, 2021. The objective remains set at 50 million first-timers by the end of August.

The bar of 40 million fully vaccinated people was crossed on Wednesday. Thus, 40,152,019 people now have a complete vaccination schedule, i.e. 59.6% of the total population.

As of August 17, 2021, specify the health authorities, "80% of the adult population had received at least one injection and 72% of the adult population had a complete vaccination schedule".

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18, 2021

A vaccine recall campaign at the end of September in the United States

Worried about the drop in immune protection conferred by vaccines over time and the surge of the epidemic linked to the Delta variant in the country, the American authorities launched on Wednesday August 18 a campaign to recall anti-Covid vaccines.

As of September 20, all Americans who have received an injection of the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine will be able to request a third injection eight months after the second.

The first people to be able to benefit from this additional dose will be “residents of retirement homes”, “other elderly people” and “many health professionals”, explain the American health authorities. These are also the first categories of population to have been vaccinated in the United States, as of December 2020.

This recall campaign, however, remains suspended until the authorization of an additional dose of these two vaccines by the United States Medicines Agency (FDA).

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Jean Castex goes to the Tarn

Prime Minister Jean Castex will travel to Albi, in the Tarn, on Thursday. Among other things, he will visit the hospital center and the vaccination center of the city.

The reason for his arrival is certainly to be found in the health context that the department is going through at the moment: patient transfers to other regions, continued circulation of Covid-19 and its Delta variant, increasing hospital tension...

In the Tarn, the incidence rate is 274 positive cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

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Japan cancels its F1 Grand Prix again

The Japanese Formula 1 Grand Prix, which was to be held in Suzuka (center of the country) on October 10, is canceled for the second consecutive year due to the health situation, the organizers announced on Wednesday August 18, 2021.

A 'revised' calendar for the Formula 1 season is due to be unveiled in the coming weeks.

The pandemic, which has forced the postponement or cancellation of most international sporting events in 2020, has also forced this year to reschedule several F1 Grands Prix, initially scheduled in Australia, Canada, China and in Singapore.

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Nearly 2,000 people currently in intensive care

Nearly 2,000 Covid-19 patients were hospitalized in critical care units on Tuesday, a level that had not been reached since mid- June, according to data from health authorities. In total, 1,953 Covid-19 patients occupied intensive care beds, at the same level as on June 15, against 1,908 the day before.

The authorities have counted 245 new people entering intensive care in the past 24 hours, more than the day before (178) or the average for the previous days. A significant number of these critical care hospitalizations are concentrated in the south of France, in the Paris region, in Guadeloupe and in Martinique.

Overall, all departments combined, 10,219 hospital beds were occupied by Covid patients on Tuesday, and 1,075 new arrivals were identified.

In general, 28,114 new cases of Covid were detected on Tuesday in France, for a test positivity rate of 3.4%, according to Santé Publique France.

TUESDAY AUGUST 17, 2021

The government wants to relaunch the vaccination campaign for the start of the school year

The target of 50 million first-time vaccinators by the end of August is getting closer. With 46.5 million people having received at least one dose of the vaccine, one would think that the goal is within reach.

But according to the Ministry of Solidarity and Health, in a press briefing on Tuesday, "only" 3.1 million injections were carried out last week (from August 9 to 15), against 3.5 million the previous week. A slowdown due to “a decline in demand”, linked both “to holidays” and “to reluctance”.

The ministry insists that the doses are available, as are the personnel who can administer them. In order to initiate a rebound, the government wants to focus its strategy on two major axes:

This is the "largest pool of non-vaccinated people", logical since they are the last to have had access to vaccination, only since June 15th. Also, the government wishes to organize vaccination operations in schools with the help of medical staff (doctors, nurses, firefighters) who already officiate in vaccination centers.

Similarly, the Ministry of Health plans to allow group school trips to these vaccination centers in order to carry out group operations. Of course, parental consent will always be required. But to convince the most recalcitrant, an intense communication campaign will take place in schools.

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To encourage the rebound of vaccination, it is necessary "to seek out the most difficult audiences to convince". This should go through major ephemeral vaccination operations in shopping centers and workplaces, says the Ministry of Health.

The army sends medical oxygen to the Antilles

More than 100 tons of medical oxygen must be sent to the Antilles, in particular to Martinique. This should make it possible to prevent any risk of shortage on an island which, like its neighbor Guadeloupe, is experiencing an explosion of cases of the Delta variant of Covid-19.

A first ship left on August 15 from Guyana, it “should dock in Fort-de-France on August 19 to make these oxygen stocks available to the Regional Health Agency”, indicates its press release .

This supply must also concern Guadeloupe, according to the local Regional Health Agency.

MONDAY AUGUST 16, 2021

77 cases of Covid-19 in a summer camp in Brittany

Covid-19 continues to circulate on the territory. The proof at the La Châtaigneraie holiday center in Le Palais (Morbihan) where many participants in a holiday camp tested positive on Monday.

In total, "77 cases were tested positive, including eight facilitators", detailed the Regional Health Agency (ARS) of Brittany. The supervisors and the 173 children aged 6 to 17 will be repatriated on Tuesday August 17, 2021.

When vaccination is also invited to campsites

Raise awareness among tourists and promote vaccination against Covid-19 even on vacation spots: this is the objective of the Proxivaccin operation in Argelès-sur-Mer (Pyrénées-Orientales), considered the “European capital of camping”.

No need to travel to receive a dose of vaccine, it is vaccination that comes to holidaymakers. “When we talk about the vaccine outside, it is sometimes very badly taken, but in the campsites, people are more relaxed, there is less aggressiveness and more respect”, explains to AFP Sonia Macveigh, the departmental coordinator of the Proxivaccin system.

"We had made an appointment for a first dose next week at a large vaccination center, but now we're saving time and it allows me to have my second dose before going back to work. is perfect”, adds Mickaël, 41, on holiday at the campsite.

In the Pyrénées-Orientales, the incidence rate is gradually decreasing, but remains "still very high", estimates ARS Occitanie, at 450.9 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

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In other regions, it is possible to get vaccinated at your holiday destination. This is the case, for example, of Disneyland Paris, which has installed a large vaccination center in one of the hotels in its park. After being housed in the comfortable premises of the convention center of Disney's Newport Bay Club hotel, this vaccinodrome will change hotels to settle in Disney's Sequoia Lodge.

End of isolation for contact cases vaccinated in England

While more than three-quarters of adults are now fully vaccinated in England, the British government has decided to lift restrictions again, after the end of wearing a mask, physical distancing and mandatory gauges in performance halls in mid-July.

Since Monday August 16, 2021, people considered to be contact cases but fully vaccinated will no longer have to respect a period of isolation. However, they are recommended to wear a mask and undergo a PCR test.

The United Kingdom remains one of the European countries most affected by the pandemic, with more than 130,000 deaths after a positive test (more than 150,000 if we count all the deaths carrying Covid-19 on death certificate).

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The mandatory health pass in several shopping centers

126 shopping centers and department stores will have to apply the health pass from Monday August 16 in around ten departments in the Paris region and the South, such as the Rhone or Gironde.

This application is the result of a prefectural decision and concerns shopping centers of more than 20,000 m² as well as department stores with an area greater than this limit. This is therefore the case for the major Parisian shops, namely Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, BHV, Le Bon Marché and La Samaritaine.

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SUNDAY AUGUST 15, 2021

Nearly 9,000 people in Lourdes despite health restrictions

The Mass of the Assumption brought together nearly 9,000 faithful this Sunday in Lourdes, on largest center of French Catholic pilgrimage, despite a context of epidemic recovery and limited travel abroad.

However, fewer than usual, they accompany some 300 patients in search of a miraculous cure.

The cave where, according to Catholic tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared to Bernadette Soubirous in 1858, is closed to the public to avoid contamination.

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SATURDAY AUGUST 14, 2021

Big day of mobilizations for anti-sanitary passes

A total of 214,845 people, including 13,900 in Paris, marched this Saturday for the fifth consecutive weekend against the health pass, a mobilization down from last Saturday, according to figures from the Ministry of the Interior.

At 7 p.m., the authorities recorded 217 actions, only 11 arrests and one injured among the police.

Last weekend, 237,000 people were counted by the Ministry of the Interior, regularly accused by demonstrators of underestimating the anti-health pass protest.

The militant collective Le Nombre Jaune, which publishes a city-by-city count, had counted more than 415,000 “minimum” participants in France last Saturday. Their estimate for this Saturday's mobilization was not immediately available.

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A computer bug disrupts the issuance of QR codes

The issuance of QR codes equivalent to a health pass following an antigen test for Covid-19 screening experienced malfunctions this Saturday morning, after a giant breakdown having taken place this Friday afternoon, while pharmacies are experiencing significant traffic during this period of summer travel.

The system went down on Friday around 4 p.m., before returning to normal around 11 p.m. It experienced erratic operation on Saturday, before being operational again at the end of the morning.

In question? “The very high flows, especially on Friday afternoon due to the crossover of holiday departures for people who have to take trains, planes or other, and due to activities related to the weekend. end”, according to Philippe Denry, vice-president of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France (FSPF).

According to Philippe Denry, quoted by AFP, around 300,000 daily tests are carried out by pharmacists on busy days. “Pharmacists have been under pressure for several months, this has been accentuated with the health pass”, he underlined, while several pharmacies have been victims in recent weeks of the vindictiveness of opponents of the health pass.

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The incidence rate continues to increase in France, but the progression is slowing

The French Public Health Agency published its weekly report this Saturday August 14 and it could almost be optimistic. If the incidence rate continues to increase, it is 236 per 100,000 inhabitants at the national level, we are slowly heading towards a “plateau”.

The incidence rate increased by 4% last week (from August 3 to 10), a lower increase than in previous weeks.

However, the agency noted an increase in emergency room consultations for children under the age of five for Covid, but “generally at the same levels” as the previous waves, and without an increase in hospitalizations in critical care.

Public Health France is however concerned about the situation in the French West Indies, particularly in Guadeloupe, which is recording record incidence rates (1,893 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). The agency also warns of a “signal of epidemic resumption” in French Guiana.

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FRIDAY AUGUST 13, 2021

Anti-pass mobilization: more than 200 demonstrations announced on Saturday

Three anti-health pass rallies are planned in Paris this Saturday August 14, 2021 with, as the previous weeks, a clear division between the two principal ones which aggregate the main part of the demonstrators.

On the one hand, the parade organized at the call of the former number 2 of the National Rally and now president of the Patriots, Florian Philippot, will leave from the Place de la Catalunya around 2:30 p.m. On the other, a procession declared by "yellow vests" will bring together those who refuse to march alongside the far right, with a departure from the Golden Gate around 1:00 p.m.

Very popular in the south, the movement brings together large crowds every week in cities like Toulon, Montpellier or Nice, where new demonstrations are expected on Saturday.

A doctor's computer hacked, fake passes in circulation

With the stricter application of the health pass, some are trying to slip through the cracks. Recently, a surgeon from Marseille had his social security codes hacked. A serious fraud for the issuance of vaccination certificates since, since his account, several false health passes would have been issued.

Investigators, alerted to the fraud, are currently in the process of authenticating the 178 health passes issued by the surgeon.

As a reminder, presenting a false pass exposes the fraudster to a fine of 135 euros. The fine can become very high if the health pass is presented more than three times in thirty days: 3,750 euros.

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Increasingly young hospitalized patients

"We do not come out unscathed from visiting this hospital": traveling to a hospital in Martinique, an area extremely affected by the renewed pandemic, the Minister of Health Olivier Véran deplored the increasingly young age of people hospitalized for a Covid-19 infection.

This rejuvenation of the hospitalized population is also observed in metropolitan France. Thus, in the Occitanie region, hospital staff observe that the age group most represented in its Covid services is that of 50-59 years. So far and during previous waves of the epidemic, it was rather much older people who were cared for in hospitals.

For the health authorities, it's all about vaccination. Or, more accurately, how few younger Covid patients get fully vaccinated. Hence the government's repeated calls for the population to continue to be vaccinated.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 12, 2021

The wild terraces in opposition to the Health Pass

The entry into force of the health pass continues to mobilize its opponents. Compulsory since August 9 in many places, it is also compulsory for access to the terraces of cafes, bars and restaurants.

A measure that ulcerates those who refuse to present the famous pass, to the point that they have launched an operation "Wild Terraces". This movement, born on social networks, consists of recreating terraces randomly, outside of any commercial framework.

Testimonials, videos and images appear on social networks, as in Le Mans. For the moment still confidential, this operation could grow with the mobilization.

Be careful, however, of the false images circulating, certain photos of ephemeral terraces, authorized in certain cities since the end of the first confinement, or of different operations are presented as wild terraces.

Hospitals under stress forced to adapt to the 4th wave

Patients are arriving in ever greater numbers every day. In French hospitals, the situation remains very tense, and the fourth wave does not improve things. To the point that hospital services are forced to adapt and reorganize their program to make room for Covid patients.

In Marseille, caregivers are forced to deprogram operations deemed the least “urgent” and to postpone certain surgical procedures. Faced with increasingly young hospitalized Covid patients and a large proportion of unvaccinated among new patients, the management of the AP-HM is also calling on the population to be vaccinated.

In the Occitanie region, the exponential arrival of patients in the intensive care units of saturated hospitals has led to the evacuation of some patients. The Montpellier University Hospital, for example, had some of these patients transferred to Lille, while the Narbonne hospital sent a patient in intensive care to the hospital in Amiens.

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Guadeloupe is in turn tightening its confinement

Two days after Martinique and its reinforced confinement, it is Guadeloupe's turn to tighten the screw. In view of the very tense health situation on the island, the prefect Alexandre Rochatte announced a tightening of the restrictive measures for at least three weeks.

Extension of the curfew, outings limited to 5 km, essential non-essential shops” closed: it is essential to “break the increase in the epidemic”, indicated the prefect during a press conference. In Guadeloupe, where the vaccination rate remains very low, the incidence rate has exploded, with almost 1,900 cases per 100,000 inhabitants.

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WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2021

New Caledonia extends the suspension of international flights

In New Caledonia, the suspension of international flights, which was set for October 31, 2021, is extended by two months, i.e. until December 31, according to the 1st, the overseas site of France Info.

The government of New Caledonia explained, during a press conference held this Wednesday, that a certain number of flights will be provided to allow the repatriation of Caledonians, and that about fourteen (or seven depending on of their vaccination status) must be carried out.

The end of free so-called “comfort” tests in mid-October confirmed

Emmanuel Macron had announced it for this fall, Gabriel Attal confirms it. This afternoon, during a press conference devoted to the Health Defense Council which took place this morning, the government spokesperson confirmed that the so-called “comfort” tests will become chargeable in mid-October.

Gabriel Attal, however, clarified that this decision only concerns tests “without medical prescription”.

No information has yet been disclosed on the price of these tests. They are sold at a price of 49 euros for a PCR test and 29 euros for an antigen test, but it has not been specified whether they will be offered at the same price to the French.

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Demonstrations to be expected this weekend

With the entry into force of the health pass, it was to be expected, new demonstrations are to be expected all over France this weekend .

While the Health Defense Council takes place this Wednesday, many organizations are calling for mobilization against the health pass and against the vaccination obligation of several professions.

This is particularly the case in Lorraine, where Metz, Nancy, Epinal and Saint-Dié-des-Vosges are concerned.

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French Polynesia will trigger a state of health emergency

“The health crisis is not behind us. We are going to live, for several more months, with this virus. As a premise of the Health Defense Council, Emmanuel Macron set the tone for the health situation in France and overseas.

Precisely, French Polynesia must restore the state of emergency on its territory. A curfew will notably be introduced between 9 p.m. and 4 a.m., starting this Wednesday, August 11 this evening. Other potential restrictions are mentioned, such as confinement.

According to the latest data from the Directorate General of Health (DGS), 185 people are still hospitalized in French Polynesia for a Covid-19 infection, including 26 in intensive care. 1,075 additional cases and 10 new deaths have been observed in the past 24 hours.

Towards reinforced confinement in Guadeloupe?

Travelling in Guadeloupe which, along with Martinique, is experiencing a surge in the number of cases and an “extremely worrying” health situation, the Minister of Overseas Territories Sébastien Lecornu does not leaves no doubt.

Already subject to confinement, Guadeloupe could, like Martinique, have to strengthen its restrictive measures. "This confinement, unfortunately, we are going to have to toughen it, we must curb the epidemic even faster," the minister told franceinfo.

The terms of this stricter confinement have yet to be defined by the prefect.

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Compulsory vaccination for caregivers in Luxembourg

Notice to cross-border workers wishing to work in the medical environment of Luxembourg: the hospital center of the capital (CHL) requests vaccination against Covid-19 for future recruits , especially for the health of patients.

A first in the country, unlike France which now requires its caregivers to be vaccinated.

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A Health Defense Council meets the executive

Health situation in Outremers, health pass, vaccination… The members of the government are meeting this Wednesday during a Health Defense Council, chaired by Emmanuel Macron by videoconference from Fort Brégançon.

The situation in mainland France, where the number of hospitalizations and patients in intensive care continues to increase, is also of concern to health authorities, particularly in the south. The white plan was thus activated yesterday in New Aquitaine, after the PACA region, Corsica and Occitanie.

Another question that could be addressed during this Council: that of a third dose for the oldest and most fragile. But no decision in sight pending the opinion of the health authorities ”, according to the Elysée.

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TUESDAY AUGUST 10, 2021

Sanofi asks the French to get vaccinated without waiting for their own vaccine

Olivier Bogillot, the boss of the French laboratory Sanofi, urged the French to get vaccinate as soon as possible without waiting for a blue-white-red vaccine. In a LinkedIn post, published on Monday August 8, Olivier Bogillot castigated undecided people and those waiting for his company's vaccine.

Even though he said he was flattered by the confidence that the French place in Sanofi, he insisted: “Don’t wait to get vaccinated. I hear some say they prefer to wait for the Sanofi vaccine to get vaccinated. I thank those who trust Sanofi but our vaccine will not arrive for several months.

He went on to explain that waiting “only increases the risk and prolongs the circulation of the virus. Vaccines authorized by health authorities are safe and effective.”

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The white plan launched in the hospitals of Nouvelle-Aquitaine

The regional health agency (ARS) of Nouvelle-Aquitaine announced on Tuesday that the white plan has been launched in all establishments health in the region.

A decision taken “in order to anticipate and be able to arm a sufficient number of beds to absorb the new hospitalizations which will take place in the coming days”, explains the health authority in a text published today.

The most affected departments are Gironde, Pyrénées-Atlantiques and Landes.

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Germany puts an end to free tests to encourage vaccination

Germany, through the voice of its Chancellor, Angela Merkel, announced that it did not believe in compulsory vaccination. However, she wants to encourage her fellow citizens to get vaccinated. To do this, it will put an end to free Covid-19 screening tests from October 11 in order to relaunch a vaccination campaign that is slipping.

Not all tests will be affected since people who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons, for pregnant women or children, will continue to benefit from free treatment, according to the text adopted during the meeting between Angela Merkel and the sixteen heads of regional governments.

310 caregivers and firefighters sent as reinforcements to the West Indies

The Minister of Health and Solidarity, Olivier Véran, had launched an appeal to caregivers in mainland France this Sunday, it was heard. This Tuesday, at the end of the afternoon, 310 personnel are leaving for the Antilles in order to strengthen the medical system undermined by the fourth wave.

Thus, 240 caregivers and 70 firefighters will fly away via two flights chartered especially for this operation. One will take the direction of Guadeloupe, the other that of Martinique.

These volunteers will carry out their mission there for 15 days, according to civil security spokesman Alexandre Jouassard, who confided in our colleagues at Franceinfo.

"The response to national solidarity is very important and this system is exceptional", also writes the Ministry of Health in a press release. He adds that “material has been sent to the West Indies for several weeks to deal with this wave, and these shipments of material continue in parallel. »

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Bars and restaurants are gradually adapting to the health pass

Since Monday and throughout this "break-in week" promised by the executive, bars and restaurants throughout France have been prepare to control the sanitary pass of their customers, without much experience and instructions on how to do it. Some have also downloaded the TousAntiCovid application for the first time at the start of the week.

“We were expecting the green light from the Constitutional Council, that’s not really a surprise. The health pass in catering, it's going to be complicated but we'll do it if it's good for the future...", whispers the president of the UMIH (Union des Métiers et des Industries de l'Hôtellerie) in the Côtes -d'Armor.

In Saint-Malo (Ille-et-Vilaine), a bar-restaurant is improving its organization and intends to post two people at the entrance to check the passes. Another manager is still awaiting instructions from the hotel and restaurant union, which has not yet reported since the bill was validated by the Constitutional Council on August 5. Further on, a restaurant mainly fears a drop in attendance.

Same story in Vernon, in Eure, where this owner of a kebab restaurant is alerted to the calm that has reigned since Monday. Its terrace, located in the city center should “normally be full” is almost empty. “Today is a disaster, panics an employee. We'll see tomorrow and the day after. »

“We do it because we have no choice. It bothers me because I feel like I'm intruding on people's privacy. And then it makes me waste time because they are not yet used to it, ”adds Marie, waitress in an establishment in Neubourg.

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The United States advises against travel to France

The alert level is at its maximum. Like Israel, Thailand, Greece or Iceland, France has just been placed at Covid-19 alert level 4 by the United States, i.e. the highest level, becoming a destination not recommended for American tourists. . In question: the upsurge in the number of cases of contamination and the strong spread of the virus and its variants.

At the same time, the US Federal Health Agency (CDC) asks travelers still going to France to make sure they are fully vaccinated. And warns in a bulletin: “even fully vaccinated travelers may be at risk of contracting and spreading Covid-19 variants. »

Martinique announces reinforced confinement, tourists invited to return home

“We are going to enter a second phase of confinement”, warned the prefect of the West Indian department Stanislas Cazelles. Martinique, in the grip of a severe rebound in the Covid-19 epidemic and subject to a curfew for 10 days, has just reinforced the restriction measures on its territory.

All shops (except food shops and pharmacies), hotels and seasonal rentals must close, while companies are invited to favor telework for their employees. The Ministers of Health Olivier Véran and Overseas Sébastien Lecornu are also expected on site.

Martinique has one of the highest incidence rates in France, with nearly 1,200 cases per 100,000 inhabitants and hospital pressure of 227%. It is also a department with very few vaccinations – less than 22% of the population.

A situation not conducive to tourism. On this subject, the prefect of Martinique, Stanislas Cazelles, inviting "all people in a tourist situation who are vulnerable to leave the territory". Hotels and vacation rentals will also be closed.

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MONDAY, AUGUST 9, 2021

The demonstrator with the anti-Semitic sign arrested in Moselle

The image of the sign held up during the demonstration, this Saturday, August 7, 2021, in a anti-sanitary pass demonstration in Metz (Moselle) caused outrage on social networks. To the point that the Metz prosecutor's office has opened a preliminary investigation.

The investigation led to the arrest of Cassandre Fristot, a former elected representative of the National Front and former chief of staff of Louis Aliot (RN). A teacher, she should see her duties suspended, pending disciplinary sanctions, according to a tweet from the Minister of Education, Jean-Michel Blanquer.

1 out of 4 trains will be checked according to the Minister of Transport

The Minister Delegate for Transport Jean-Baptiste Djebbari announced on Monday that a “quarter of the trains will be checked today“. Traveling to the Gare de Lyon in Paris for the implementation of the health pass in the trains, the minister added on France Inter that “the checks will be massive but not systematic”.

If he confirmed that this week from August 9 to 15 would be “a week of running-in, education and flexibility“, he specified that this does not exclude that fines are drawn up “according to behavior” .

The checks, carried out by the SNCF controllers and the SUGE (Railway Safety), will mainly be carried out "around the platforms", explained Jean-Baptiste Djebbari who added that there will "also possibly be random checks on board trains, and possibly checks on the arrival of a certain number of trains. »

Cluster on a cruise ship in Marseille

Six people tested positive for Covid-19 during a cruise in the Mediterranean, departing from Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône), while they had been tested with antigen tests before boarding.

Six other people would be in contact. All the passengers then remained isolated on the ship, until their return to Marseille where they were taken care of.

From 135 to 3,750 euros and a blacklist in the event of a false health pass

Matignon has specified the penalties in the event of presentation of a false health pass. And if someone around you uses your health pass, the fine will be steep.

If you use the pass of someone you know, the fine will be 750 euros (flat rate of 135 euros if paid quickly), then 1,500 euros in the event of a repeat offense within 15 days (200 euros in a fixed fine) and finally 3,750 euros and six months in prison in the event of a third recidivism within 30 days.

Note that the pass "abusively used will be blacklisted and rendered unusable", said Sunday Cédric O, Secretary of State for Digital.

Remember that if you are checked without a pass when it was required, you risk a fine of 135 euros.

The health pass comes into effect this Monday

This Monday, August 9 marks the application of access control to certain places via a health pass. This will now be required to be able to enter a bar, restaurants, cinema, hospital and many other everyday places.

To provide this pass, three documents can be presented:

SUNDAY, AUGUST 8, 2021

Olivier Véran is sounding the alarm regarding overseas territories

Saturation of hospital beds, explosion in the number of cases, low vaccination rates, activation of the white plan or even reconfinement in certain territories… The situation is particularly worrying in the overseas territories.

To the point that the Minister of Health Olivier Véran is now sounding the alarm. In a video, the minister calls on caregivers in mainland France for “national solidarity” to come and help hospitals in Martinique and Guadeloupe, two areas very affected by a “very intense” epidemic wave. »

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Health pass possible in shopping centers of more than 20,000m²

They were published in the early morning: on Sunday, the decrees specifying the terms of the extension of the health pass were published in the Journal Official. Among the points discussed, the issue of shopping centers.

Thus, shopping centers of more than 20,000 square meters will be able to impose the health pass at their entrance, by decision of the prefectures.

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Antigenic tests of less than 72 hours and self-tests considered as health passes

Another clarification provided by the decrees: the documents which give access to the health pass. And changes have been made.

The first concerns antigen tests, which are part of the three documents included in the health pass. As a reminder, the supporting documents accepted as a health pass are a certificate of complete vaccination (two doses), the negative result of a PCR or antigen test and a certificate of recovery if you have already contracted Covid-19.

And here is what changes: according to the decree published on Sunday, in the same way as PCR tests, antigen tests of less than 72 hours are now considered a valid health pass – against 48 hours previously.

But that's not all. Self-tests by nasal swab are also now valid as a health pass if they are carried out under the supervision of a health professional.

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The Saint-Etienne University Hospital is looking for volunteers for a study

To what extent do vaccines against Covid-19 develop our immunity to the virus? To answer this question, the CHU of Saint-Etienne (Loire) needs you.

As part of a study, the hospital's clinical investigation center is looking for people who have been vaccinated (with one or two doses) for less than 30 days or people who plan to be vaccinated soon. The study will extend over 2 years, during which between 4 and 6 blood samples will be taken.

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SATURDAY AUGUST 7, 2021

237,000 people marched in the streets

“Macron, your pass, we don’t want it! “, “Be indignant against the pass of shame”, “Traders, do not become the gendarmes of the government”… For the fourth consecutive weekend, thousands of French people beat the pavement to protest against the extension of the health pass .

“For us, this is a deprivation of our fundamental freedoms. The State organizes a generalized policing of the population. We must react now before it is too late, ”explains to our journalists from Echo de l’Armor and Argoat Roland, 56, in the streets of Guingamp.

“There is a shift towards authoritarianism. We are divided into good and bad citizens. When I look at the media and the government, I have the impression of being considered a murderer, a danger to others because I am not vaccinated, ”adds another protester on the other side of France. , in the Jura.

About 150 rallies were planned across the country for this new day of mobilization. 237,000 people marched, according to figures from the Ministry of the Interior.

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FRIDAY AUGUST 6, 2021

Call for demonstration on Saturday against the health pass

Like previous weekends, several voices were raised to call on the French to demonstrate against the extension of the health pass, compulsory from Monday August 9 in bars, restaurants, places of leisure but also for travel.

Mobilizations are already planned throughout France, such as in: Paris, Lille, Montpellier, Toulouse, Nantes, Lyon, Vannes and even Flers. Last weekend, more than 200,000 people protested in the streets. The police expect the same number of demonstrators this Saturday, August 7, and keep a close eye on the Paris processions.

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Germany imposes a quarantine on travelers from several regions of France

Germany will impose a mandatory 10-day quarantine from Sunday August 8 for non-immune travelers arriving from the south of France, announced the health watch institute Robert Koch (RKI).

Three metropolitan areas are concerned, namely:

The territories of Guadeloupe, Martinique, Réunion, Saint Martin and Saint Barthélemy are also concerned.

Travelers coming from these regions will have to observe this quarantine if they cannot present a health pass with a complete vaccination schedule or proof of recovery. Upon presentation of a negative test, this period may be reduced to 5 days.

"A break-in week"

From Avignon where Gabriel Attal spoke on BFMTV on the health situation, the government spokesperson specified that "a break-in week" would be applied from the start of the health pass extension, Monday 9 August.

The government spokesperson added that the implementation of the health pass “is a new tool for professionals, they must be able to take ownership of it, see how it works. This obviously has an impact on their daily life, it is an additional constraint but which can allow them to remain open. »

Indefinite strike notice at the Bordeaux University Hospital

An announcement that should be followed by many others. Following the validation of the vaccination obligation for caregivers and the law on the health pass by the Constitutional Council, the Sud Santé Sociaux union of the Bordeaux University Hospital has filed an indefinite strike notice, starting August 11. .

Strikes and demonstrations by opponents of the law are expected to increase in the coming days.

The law on the Health Pass is promulgated

Unsurprisingly, the law extending the health pass to new public places and establishing a vaccination obligation for caregivers was published in the Official Journal, this Friday, the day after its validation, for the most part, by the Constitutional Council.

Already in force since July 21 in certain places of leisure and culture, this pass (total vaccination, negative Covid-19 test or certificate of recovery) will be extended from Monday to cafes, restaurants, planes, trains, coaches for long journeys, fairs, seminars and trade shows.

THURSDAY AUGUST 5, 2021

Several demonstrations after the decision of the Constitutional Council

While the Constitutional Council has validated the health crisis management bill for the most part, allowing the extension of the health pass, opponents of the measures have expressed their disagreement in several cities in France.

Demonstrations have thus been recorded in Paris, Marseille, Lamballe, etc.

While the executive welcomed this green light, this decision instead triggered a salvo of criticism from opponents, particularly on the far right and far left, against a backdrop of new protests scheduled for Saturday.

The white plan launched in Bayonne, a tense situation on the Basque coast

The white plan was launched at Bayonne hospital, where the health situation on the Basque coast is considered worrying by the Regional Health Agency and the Hospital Center of the Basque Coast.

While 12 patients were in intensive care on Wednesday, two were transferred to Pau hospital in order to unclog the department, in the middle of August, which is synonymous with high tourist influx.

The health pass validated, but measures censored

The opinion of the Constitutional Council fell around 4 p.m. The Elders validated the bill aimed in particular at extending the health pass, deemed to be in conformity with the Constitution.

However, several measures of the text have been censored, concerning the “early termination” of certain employment contracts and the “automatic” placement in solitary confinement. The Constitutional Council has in fact deemed these measures “contrary to the Constitution”.

Health pass, vaccination, isolation: here are the details of the decisions of the Constitutional Council.

A 3rd dose at the start of the school year for certain audiences, announces Emmanuel Macron

In a new video posted on Instagram, the President of the Republic confirmed on Thursday the need for a 3rd dose for "the most elderly and the most fragile. A 3rd dose of vaccine against Covid-19 which may be offered "at the start of the school year", said Emmanuel Macron.

An arbitration must still be made "next week" to determine who will be the people specifically affected by this vaccine reminder.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CSLzLEQDMTO/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Decision expected today on the health pass

The Constitutional Council must make its decision today on the bill on the extension of the health pass.

If it is validated, in whole or in essence, the executive has promised a rapid entry into force. In fact, it will apply to cafes, restaurants, fairs, trade shows, air travel or long train journeys from Monday August 9.

He will also be asked to go to medical establishments, except in an emergency, or, by prefectural decision, to shopping centres.

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WEDNESDAY AUGUST 4, 2021

The white plan launched in several regions

After Corsica, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region, it's the turn of the Occitanie region to trigger the "white plan" in hospitals.

Jean-Jacques Morfoisse, the deputy director general of the Regional Health Agency (ARS) Occitanie, reports, in an email sent to health establishments and professionals, of the alarming situation, details Actu Toulouse.

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Change on arrival in England

On Wednesday evening, the British government announced the end of the quarantine imposed on vaccinated travelers arriving in England from mainland France. And this, from Sunday, August 8, 2021.

With AFP

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