“It can actually happen that science joins common sense”. So says Prime Minister Jean Castex this Tuesday December 15, 2020 interviewed by Europe 1. As the phase two of lockdown exit starts, all public facilities are closed until further notice, the head of government has affirmed “restaurants, cafés” as well as “gyms, nightclubs” were – to scientists and the executive – the “main contamination places” to Covid-19.
To justify his words, Jean Castex relies on a national study led by Institut Pasteur epidemiologist professor Arnaud Fontanet, expected to be released this week. According to the first “pre-elements” checked by his office, “places of contaminations are private places, restaurants, cafés” he explains on the radio, before saying that these are mainly “closed places where you cannot keep your mask on, where you stay together, where interactions are stronger” that scientists point out.
In addition to bars and restaurants, the most contagious places named by the Prime Minister also include “gyms”, and “nightclubs” – which players are also angry. As for cultural venues such as show venues, theaters and other movie theaters, according to Jean Castex, there is “no other solution” than closure. “We think these measures are necessary for safety reasons and to protect the French people” he justifies. The very same day, professionals of the sector gathered at the Place de la Bastille to protest against the restrictions implemented in the cultural sector the health authorities call “non-necessary”.
Covid: Castex “cannot assure” restaurants to reopen from January 20
