As is the case in France, the Covid-19 epidemic is intensifying in the Principality and the Prince’s Government on Monday announced new measures to try to curb contamination in view of the New Year’s Eve on December 31 and the start of the school year.

After consultation with the National Council, the Prince’s Government announced on Monday December 17 new measures intended to limit the spread of Covid-19 and this while the high contagiousness of the Omicron variant worries the authorities. There is no question for the moment of returning to radical restrictions, but a few days before New Year’s Eve and the start of the school year, the idea is to take the lead.

No curfew on December 31

In order to preserve the economic and social activity of the Principality, the awakening of December 31 will not give rise to a curfew. According to the princely government, HSH Prince Albert II indeed wishes to maintain the end-of-year celebrations while supervising them:

– Prohibition of gathering more than 10 people on public roads
– Prohibition to consume alcohol on public roads
– No dance and karaoke activities in the establishments
– No consumption while standing

The restaurants and bars remain open and there is no curfew at this stage. On the other hand, the sale of alcohol to take away will be prohibited after 8:00 p.m. and there will be no celebrations at the Place du Casino or at the Port Hercule when midnight strikes. Musical entertainment will cease at 1 am and it is recommended that the population “be reasonable” and continue to apply barrier gestures.

Self-tests at the start of the school year and in the workplace

As of Monday, January 3, two major devices will be put in place to prevent a new epidemic outbreak. Anisi, on the first day of school, in schools, each student will find a self-test on his desk. By then, each parent will receive a message from the Department of National Education, Youth and Sports informing them of the implementation of this screening device, on a voluntary basis and subject to communication. a signed parental authorization.

These are rapid self-tests recommended by pediatricians. Each member of the National Education staff will also be able to benefit from this system.

In, self-tests intended for employees will also be offered to employers who so wish. 50,000 self-tests have already been ordered and employers can obtain supplies via a tele-service.

Extension of the health pass

From January 10, the health pass will be extended to a certain number of sectors of activity where contacts with customers are close and prolonged. This is the case for the construction and beauty sector (aesthetics, hairdressers), tattooing and sports. Concretely, the staff and customers of these activities must be provided with a health pass.

Immunization incentive

In the longer term, the Prince’s Government continues to put on vaccination. According to official figures, 66.7% of the resident population eligible for the vaccine (aged over 12) has a complete vaccination schedule. Or, according to authorities, this rate is not sufficient due to the arrival of the Omicron variant, which is much more contagious than the Delta variant. The Prince’s Government specifies that the six people receiving intensive care at the moment at the CHPG are all people who have not been vaccinated.

The Minister of State, Pierre Dartout raised this question last night during a televised interview with our colleagues from Monegasque news.