The French authorities have announced the lifting of a number of coronavirus restrictions. Previously, the easing of anti-covid measures was announced in the UK

From February 2, the French authorities will cancel the mandatory wearing of masks in the open air. About it writes Le Monde, citing a statement by Prime Minister Jean Castex.

In addition, the country will lift the limit on the number of participants in cultural and sporting events, and will no longer be required to transfer employees to remote work for three days a week.

Castex added that from February 16, discotheques that had been banned for 16 months will start working in France, and the ban on the sale of food in cinemas and stadiums will be lifted. Authorities will also allow bar owners to sell food and drink to patrons who are willing to eat standing up.

Starting next week, vaccine passes will be launched in the country, which will replace the current Pass sanitaire (medical pass). Passes will be needed to go to restaurants, to entertainment events and to travel on intercity transport. The document cannot be obtained by PCR.

On January 20, French media reported 425,183 new cases of coronavirus infection.

Previously, the British authorities also decided from the end of January to ease the restrictions imposed in connection with the spread of coronavirus. We are talking about the abolition of vaccine passports and the mandatory wearing of masks in public places, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in the House of Commons. In addition, the authorities will no longer recommend telecommuting workers.

According to Johnson, the number of coronavirus infections in the UK is declining. He also suggested that the omicron strain had reached its peak.

In the future, Johnson promised to ease the restriction on visits to nursing homes.

As of January 17, there were 19,450 people diagnosed with COVID-19 in UK hospitals, down 2% from a week earlier. At the same time, more than 34,000 people were hospitalized at the peak of the second wave of coronavirus a year ago.

At the same time, the lower house of the Austrian Parliament accepted the law on mandatory vaccination against coronavirus for all adult residents of the country from February 2022.

According to the adopted law, residents who have a medical exemption, as well as pregnant women and those who recovered from COVID-19 less than six months ago, will become an exception. Failure to vaccinate is subject to fines of up to €3,600.

The law is expected to be in effect until January 31, 2024.

The adoption of the law was supported by 137 deputies, 33 were against. The bill was initiated by the ruling coalition of the Austrian People’s Party and the Green Party. In the event that the Bundesrat (Federal Council of Austria) approves the initiative, Austria will become the first country in the EU with mandatory vaccination for all residents.