The softer measures mean QR codes showing vaccination status are no longer required to enter restaurants, cafés, and cultural venues. Masks are now only mandatory on public transport and inside hospitals or other health facilities.
The French government says high vaccination rates and lower hospitalisation numbers have allowed it to ease restrictions just four weeks before presidential polls. This comes despite a noticeable rise in daily infections across the country.
Experts Urge Vigilance
As people begin removing masks indoors, epidemiologists are warning the public not to let their guard down. Vulnerable groups remain at high risk, and experts stress the importance of maintaining hand hygiene and proper ventilation.
Arnaud Fontanet, epidemiologist at the Pasteur Institute and member of the Scientific Council, said infections could peak at 150,000 daily cases by the end of March. Current figures from Santé publique France show infections averaging 70,000 per day.
Fontanet, who wore a mask during his radio interview, noted that the Omicron variant is spreading faster than previous strains and that individuals should remain free to decide whether to wear masks, especially those at higher risk.
BA.2 Subvariant Raises Concerns
Early studies indicate that Omicron’s BA.2 subvariant could be 30% more contagious than the original strain. Experts caution this could fuel more waves of infections.
Bruno Mégarbane, head of intensive care at Lariboisière Hospital in Paris, warned that France should expect regular outbreaks every three to four months. Even if hospitals remain stable, the virus will continue circulating.
Political Timing Questioned
While many neighbouring countries are also relaxing Covid measures, critics argue the French government’s move is politically motivated ahead of next month’s elections.
Jérôme Marty, head of the UFML doctors’ union, said:
“We’re dropping masks without implementing stronger ventilation measures. With the presidential campaign in full swing, the motive is clearly political, not sanitary.”
Teachers have also voiced concerns. Primary school teacher François Delcour told BFMTV the decision was premature as pupils returned from holiday to their first mask-free classes in over a year. He added that he would continue wearing his mask in class.
