Pierre Dartout: “On December 31, gatherings are inappropriate in Monaco”
In recent days, the Principality has suffered, as everywhere in Europe, a rebound in the Covid epidemic. The numbers are not good. Will they lead to restrictive measures during the holiday season?
I confirm what I have already said. The sovereign wants the holidays to go as well as possible, without curfews or confinement. Also, there will be no change in relation to the measures already in force and which must be respected. Restaurants will remain open, people can open their courses normally in stores. Simply, we must continue, or even be more, attentive to the respect of barrier gestures. And also make sure that as many people as possible get vaccinated. It will also be the heart of a communication action that will be implemented in January.
The key, for you, to face the pandemic remains vaccination?
There is no solution without vaccination! And the unvaccinated must realize the following reality: if we are collectively a little better spared than last year, it is thanks to those who are vaccinated. We have a very strong increase in people infected and so far we have not had any tension in the hospital because a majority of people are vaccinated. But we remain very vigilant, the number of people hospitalized has also increased significantly since last week.
“I have a feeling that something is going on”
Some doctors accuse the government of telling patients who still have fairly high antibody levels a few weeks before they get their third dose. This muddies the waters a bit …
But we encourage the third dose! Simply, taking into account the fact that there was a very strong incentive to carry out serological analyzes, one leaves a transitional solution on the third dose with measures to allow certain people to give themselves a little time. But we’ll have to do that third dose anyway.
In the statistics, have you felt a click in the vaccination in recent weeks?
We don’t have precise figures yet [ils seront publiés le 24 décembre N.D.L.R.], but I have a feeling that something is going on. In certain sectors of activity, such as hotels and restaurants, the measures we have taken regarding the use of the health pass for staff have had an impact. These elements make us think that there has been an increase in vaccinations. And it is very good.
“people are protesting, I observe that it is a limited phenomenon”
The obligation of a health pass for hotel and restaurant staff also had a social impact, which led to a protest movement, in the street, Wednesday by 150 employees of the SBM?
In a situation of crisis, governments are forced to take decisions that do not please everyone and that we must assume, because we need them to go in the direction of the general interest. People are protesting, I observe that this is only a limited phenomenon. I am convinced that the majority of the population understands the message about immunization. Others demonstrate, it is their right. But it is not because there are malcontents that we cannot act. Our responsibility is to act. And you can’t please everyone when you take action.
Are the stocks of vaccines ensured to vaccinate in principle at short notice?
We have no difficulty with that. There is a strong demand, but we are adapting. We have put in the extra resources to always welcome people better. Some have not had a meeting immediately, it is inevitable because there is a strong demand and this is also the case in France.
The end of the year is also a season when many foreign visitors stay in the Principality. Will they be subject to specific constraints to enter Monegasque soil?
No, the current measures are being renewed for the moment. The choice that we do not control are the decisions that France could take, which also concern our visitors because we are linked to the Nice airport.
“I would leave the principality but I take all my working instruments”
The evening of New Year’s Eve usually gives rise to large gatherings on the port or on the Place du Casino. They are not wanted this year?
Indeed, gatherings in the public square on the occasion of December 31 must be avoided. Already last year we veiled that there is none. This year again, I believe it is totally inappropriate. On December 31, we must continue like the other days and including in the private and family sphere, to take all the necessary precautions.
Will you personally ensure that you take stronger measures if the epidemic progresses in the days to come?
Yes, and this is the advantage of new technological tools. I’m going to be away for eight days for a family vacation. I would leave the Principality but I take all my working tools to work remotely and be in contact with those who will be on duty.