Despite the spread of the more contagious UK variant of Covid-19 and rising infection rates, the French government is not planning a third nationwide lockdown. Jean-François Delfraissy, head of the scientific council advising the government, emphasized the need for new restrictions to slow the variant’s progression without closing schools nationwide.
Targeted Measures for Schools
Delfraissy noted that UK data on the virus’s impact on schools is inconclusive, leading the council to advise against widespread school closures. However, he recommended closing individual classes or schools where the UK variant is detected.
“The immediate challenge is not to eliminate it but to slow its progression by taking a number of restrictive measures,” he said, expressing concern about the variant’s spread and urging swift action.
Potential Curfew Adjustments
The most likely new restriction is advancing the nationwide curfew from 8pm to 6pm, a measure already implemented in high-case areas of eastern and southern France. Delfraissy described France’s situation as a “paradox,” with better overall control compared to other European countries but steady or slightly rising cases since December 2020. The impact of New Year’s celebrations remains unclear, and hospital and ICU bed occupancy is high but manageable.
UK Variant and Vaccination Outlook
Initial studies estimate the UK variant accounts for about 1% of recent Covid-19 cases in France, roughly 1,000 cases out of 100,000. Delfraissy remains optimistic, predicting that an accelerated vaccination campaign could restore normalcy by September 2021.
“A large majority of the French population will understand the interest of vaccines,” he said, acknowledging that some may refuse but emphasizing that masks will still be needed post-crisis.
Psychological Toll on Students
Delfraissy highlighted the psychological impact of pandemic restrictions on students, calling for university classes to resume in February. “It’s a major public health concern,” he said, noting the strain on France’s youth.
Recent incidents underscore this crisis: in Lyon, a student was prevented from jumping out a residence window, while another in Villeurbanne remains in critical condition after a similar attempt. Romain Narbonnet, a classmate, described the isolation in student residences as akin to “prison cells, only with Wifi,” in a widely shared Facebook post.
