Students in France have returned to school today despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus variant Omicron, including the risk of covid-19 infection, the suspension of departments due to cases and the possible absence of teachers.
At the same time, MPs are beginning to consider the bill to convert the health pass into a vaccination pass for all French people over the age of 12, with the bill looking certain that it will be adopted, despite the reaction of some parties.
In recent days, the number of daily cases in France has repeatedly exceeded the limit of 200,000, despite the fact that 90% of the country’s population over the age of 12 is vaccinated.
To tackle the spread of covid-19 due to the Omicron strain, the government wants to increase pressure on the approximately five million French people who remain unvaccinated by barring them access to all kinds of entertainment, restaurants, bars, cinemas, beauty salons, even on long-distance transport. In addition, prefectures will be able to deny access to large stores or shopping malls to those who do not have this passport.
The bill, which is expected to take effect on January 15, “proposes science” and “responsibility,” said French Health Minister Olivier Veran.
From 15 February, in order to be considered fully vaccinated, one must have taken a booster dose of covid-19 four months, and not more than seven months after the second dose. One infection is equivalent to one dose.
Despite their objections, most Les Republicains MPs as well as Socialists are expected to vote “in principle” in favor of the bill. The far left, the communists and the far right of Lepen are expected to vote against it.
However, the bill seems to be adopted.
The tension around this remains acute, with many MPs complaining that they have received threats not to vote for it.
At the same time, the bill provides for the tightening of penalties. Whoever is arrested with a fake certificate will risk being sentenced to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros.
As far as schools are concerned, the Ministry of Education announced that the rule that a department closes for 7 days if three cases are detected will remain in force, but added that the policy of tracking contacts will be strengthened: if a case of covid-19 is detected. in one class, students will undergo three diagnostic tests over a period of four days.
As most students under the age of 12 have not been vaccinated against covid-19, primary school unions are calling for a policy of closing a department to return as soon as the first case is detected, which ceased on 29 November.
According to the scientific council, “at least” one in three teachers may be affected by covid-19 by the end of January, either because they become infected or because they come in contact with a case and have to be quarantined. However, the easing of quarantine rules for case contacts, announced by the Ministry of Health, is expected to prevent a flood of absences.
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