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COVID UPDATES THIS MONTH

There are a few key changes this month. From the 2nd of February masks will no longer be mandatory outside, but they do remain obligatory in indoor public spaces and on public transport. The crowd limit for crowds at cultural and sporting events will be lifted when the audience is seated, but masks must still be worn. Current crowd limits are set at 5000 people outdoors and 2000 people indoors. From the 16th of February standing concerts will be allowed again and nightclubs will reopen. The consumption of alcohol while standing in bars will be also permitted. The Covid vaccine pass was approved last month and came into effect on the 24th of January. The vaccine pass will apply to anyone aged 16 and over and affects leisureoriented public spaces where a health pass was currently required (restaurants, bars, cinemas, long-distance travel). The vaccine pass isn’t required to go into hospitals, nursing homes or other healthcare facilities - (a negative Covid test, valid for 24 hours, can be used for this). If you receive your first vaccine dose by the 15th of February, you can get a vaccine pass immediately, as long as you get a negative Covid test (which will remain valid for 24 hours), and commit to receiving the second dose within a month. The vaccine pass measures could be ended if pressure on the healthcare services reduces sufficiently.

RAPID HOME TESTING KITS

French supermarkets have now been given the okay to sell the antigen self-testing Covid tests until the 15th of February. Initially, this was supposed to be offered only in the month of January, but demand has been so high the government has extended the date. The auto-test allows people to take a rapid antigen test at home, giving you a result usually within 15 minutes. These are proving very popular and people are taking them before they meet for social gatherings. The sales of these tests in the supermarkets has helped with the still-high demand, as the Omicron variant continues to spread. They are not as accurate as the PCR tests (which are lab tested) but they are convenient and easy to take.

PSYCHOLOGISTS BILLS

Appointments with a psychologist in France are now reimbursable as long as your GP has referred you.

WINTER SALES 2022

If you still want to grab yourself a bargain, this year’s winter sales are on until the 8th of February. Following this, the shops will often offer a Grande Braderie, selling off the end of last season’s stock.