Omicron variant guide - activities

Covid: Omicron more contagious but less severe, several studies found

This past December 3, French Health Minister Olivier Véran said “the first signals” about the Covid Omicron variant “don’t seem to show excessive seriousness of cases compared to the Delta variant”. The observation tends to be confirmed by several studies released in late December 2021.

Omicron: “We are faced with a variant that is 50 to 80% less severe”

The Omicron variant could be a milestone in the evolution of the pandemic: although very contagious, it is said to be “50 to 80% less severe”, according to Scientific Committee member Pr. Yazdan Yazdanpanah.

Covid: nearly 20,000 hospitalizations in France, and more than 3,600 intensive care patients

The rise in hospitalizations in France continues. On Monday January 3, 2022, 19,606 covid-19 patients were hospitalized in France, 563 more than in the previous 24 hours. A further 3,654 patients are currently in intensive care.

Covid: are FFP2 masks necessary to fight against Omicron?

Are surgical masks effective enough to fight against Omicron? According to some scientists and politicians, it is urgent to impose FFP2 mask-wearing to the general public, more effective against the spread of the virus.

Covid: and what if the Omicron variant was to end the epidemic?

And what if Omicron was able to end the pandemic? This is what suggests virologist Yves Van Laethem, stating its high contagiousness and its weakened virulence might enable not-vaccinated people to be “immunized in a benign fashion”.

Covid: isolation rules to be relaxed from Monday January 3rd

New isolation rules will be instated from January 3 for all contact cases and Covid-19 sick with different modalities depending on the vaccination scheme.

Coronavirus: Omicron now dominant in France

On the eve of the new year 2022, the fight against the coronavirus epidemic in France moves on. Now, the omicron variant is dominant in the country with 62.4% of suspected cases.

Omicron: Institut Pasteur’s different scenarios about the variant

As Omicron is hitting France at a swift pace, the Institut Pasteur released new modeling, unveiling the different and likely scenarios on the impact of Omicron in France.

Covid: eating and drinking banned in several public places, starting from this Monday

Following the latest health defense council, Jean Castex announced drinking and eating was banned in all movie theaters, theaters, sport facilities and public transit – including long hauls. This measure will come into effect from Monday January 3, 2022, for three weeks.

Covid: Omicron variant positive people’s vaccinated contact cases no longer have to self-isolate

The new Omicron variant was temporarily game-changing. From this day forth, all contact-cases of someone who tested positive to the Covid-19 Omicron or Delta variant no longer have to self-isolate if vaccinated.

Covid: bars and restaurants must close at 2 a.m. on New Year’s Day in Paris

This Wednesday December 29, Paris Police Prefecture announced all bars and restaurants in the city must close at 2 a.m. – at the latest – on Saint Sylvester night.

Omicron variant: the risk remains “very high” according to the WHO

Faced with the swift spread of Omicron across the world, the WHO is warning against the still “very high” risk related to this new variant.

Covid: every second, "more than two French are diagnosed positive", Olivier Véran announces

New Covid-19 positive case toll record in France with 208,000 new cases reported over the past 24 hours. "Every second, in our country, over two French are diagnosed positive to Covid. We've never seen such a situation", Olivier Véran acknowledged this December 29, 2021, in front of the Law Commission at the National Assembly.

Covid: antigen tests less effective to detect Omicron, according to American health authorities

As the Omicron variant dominates in several countries across the world, are PCR and antigen tests likely to detect this new variant? According to the U.S. health authorities, antigen tests are less sensitive to Omicron.

Covid: a fourth dose of vaccine? “It is a possibility”, Olivier Véran claims

At the end of the latest press brief held this December 27, 2021, Health Minister Olivier Véran claimed a fourth dose of Covid-19 vaccine was a “possibility” in France.

Coronavirus: no curfew on New Year's Eve confirled by Jean Castex

As France is faced with a boost in new coronavirus-related contaminations, the Scientific Committee has recommended the implementation of curfew for New Year's Eve. Will this report be followed by the government to limit the spread of the epidemic? The lead has been eventually ruled out by the government, so has been the extension of school break.

Covid and isolation: new rules to come soon for positive cases and contact cases

To date, people who have been in touch with someone infected with the Omicron variant must self-isolate for seven days, or even 17 days if they live in the same place. Following the latest health defense council, Jean Castex announced the self-isolation period for Covid-19 positive cases and contact cases will change soon. These new isolation rules are to be announced by the end of the week by the French government.

Omicron variant: an “unusual” symptom only spotted in children

As Omicron is hitting France, a UK doctor is worried about an “unusual” symptom only spotted in children.

Covid: Paris is France’s hardest-hit department with 27% Omicron cases

Omicron is spreading at lightning pace and the number of positive cases because of it are still underestimated. Paris reports 27% of suspect cases making it the hardest-hit department in France by the new variant.

Omicron: immunity drops 10 weeks after the third dose, a UK study found

As the third dose vaccination campaign is going on in France, the UK health security agency has released a study showing immunity drops only ten weeks after the booster. Towards a fourth dose?