Public health director Jérôme Salomon warned on January 3, 2021, that the full impact of holiday gatherings, dubbed the “Christmas effect,” will emerge later in the week, per Journal du Dimanche.
France tightened curfews to 6 p.m. in 15 departments starting January 2, citing family gatherings, school reopenings, new UK and South Africa variants, and colder weather as key concerns.
Targeted Curfew Measures
Salomon explained that earlier curfews curb virus spread more effectively, especially in colder regions where the virus thrives. The affected departments, mainly in eastern France like Hautes-Alpes and Bas-Rhin, include border areas with high mobility and rural zones with vulnerable populations. Paris has avoided the stricter curfew but faces potential restrictions if infection rates climb.
Rising Infections and Hospitalizations
France’s daily cases surged post-holidays, with 22,480 reported on December 28 and 19,775 on December 29, compared to pre-holiday averages of 10,000, Salomon noted. Hospitals admitted 1,000–1,200 patients daily, with 25,000 hospitalized, including 2,600 in intensive care, straining the healthcare system.
Monitoring High-Risk Areas
Authorities closely monitor overseas Caribbean departments, where holiday travel spiked, and mainland regions like Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, PACA, and Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. A January 7 assessment will guide further measures, with theaters, cinemas, museums, and ski lifts remaining closed, and restaurants and sports centers likely shut beyond January 20, per Prime Minister Jean Castex’s office.
Slow Vaccine Rollout Criticized
France’s vaccine campaign, launched December 27, 2020, in care homes, administered only 516 Pfizer-BioNTech doses by January 3, far behind Germany’s 238,000 and the UK’s 1 million. President Emmanuel Macron criticized the “family stroll” pace, pushing for acceleration. A survey showed only 40% of French citizens planned to get vaccinated, reflecting deep skepticism.
Public Health Appeals
Salomon urged citizens to follow safety measures, use the TousAntiCovid app, and self-isolate if symptoms appear. With nearly 65,000 deaths, France aims to curb the virus’s spread as new variants threaten progress, aligning with global efforts like Ghana’s airport testing protocols.
