People positive for Covid-19 will have to self-isolate for a period of between seven and ten days, under a simplified protocol, says French Minister of Health Olivier Véran in a interview at Sunday newspaper dated January 2.
As the Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 continues to advance in the country, which has recorded more than 200,000 new cases daily for four consecutive days, Mr. Véran says the importance of“Avoid the destabilization of social and economic life”. “Everyone can hear that if everyone is in isolation, the country is at a standstill, which is damaging, including for the health of the French, he explains. And I would like to stress that this change in the rules is only possible thanks to our excellent vaccination coverage rate. “
Harmonisation
It announces a harmonization of the code of conduct in the event of contamination, whatever the variant, and a reduction of the isolation period from ten to seven days for vaccinated people.
“As of tomorrow, positive people whose vaccination schedule is complete will have to isolate themselves for seven days. This isolation can be lifted after five days in the event of a negative antigen or PCR test. Those who are not vaccinated will have to isolate themselves ten days, with a possible exit after seven days under the same conditions “, he said. Contact cases will have to isolate themselves for seven days and be tested.
“If you have a complete vaccination schedule, you will be able to continue your activities provided you have regular tests”, says Olivier Véran. “The first, a PCR or an antigen, on D0, the day you learn that you are in contact. Then, you will have to perform a self-test on D + 2 and D + 4. By providing proof of your first screening on D0 at the pharmacy, you will receive all the self-tests necessary for your follow-up free of charge..
“This fifth wave may be the last”
The Minister confirms that the highly contagious Omicron variant is less dangerous than the Delta variant, both active in the country. “The English data published yesterday confirms it: there are three times less severe forms of the disease with Omicron than with Delta”, says Mr. Véran.
Omicron is, according to him, too contagious to be completely stopped, unless strict containment is instituted. “This fifth wave may be the last. Omicron is so contagious that it will affect all populations of the world. It will lead to reinforced immunity: we will all be more armed after its passage “, he hopes.