Health Minister Oliver Véran announced on Thursday that the peak of the fifth wave of coronavirus is likely to be reached at the start of December and the fifth wave will be stronger and longer than the fourth wave in the summer months.
“Europe has once again become the epicentre of the pandemic. The countries of eastern Europe have been the most affected since October. The southern countries, more vaccinated, are also experiencing fallout. The incidence rate is 270 (per 100,000 population) in Europe while it is 48.5 in the rest of the world. Sixty-seven percent of new contaminations in the world take place in Europe,” he said.
He ruled out a new lockdown, curfews or limits on numbers at public events, but masks will have to be worn in all indoor spaces. PCR and antigen tests will be valid for only 24 hours instead of 72.
From January 15, the Health Pass will be valid only with a third dose.
“We are ready, we are not disarmed. We have the tools to fight this fifth wave. We can succeed in passing this wave without further constraints for the population,” he said.
“I appeal to those who are still hesitating (to be vaccinated) because the virus kills.”
He added that “insufficient” vaccination coverage had contributed to the latest surge in cases.
Eligibility for the booster shot will be extended to everyone, and the lapse between second and third does will be reduced from six months to five.
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FILE PHOTO: Olivier Véran
