PARIS – France was on track to reach its goal today of 20 million initial doses of coronavirus vaccines, ahead of a hugely anticipated reopening of restaurant terraces Wednesday as the government begins lifting a nationwide lockdown.
Authorities also reported further declines in the number of patients requiring intensive care in hospitals.
“Again nearly 600,000 vaccinations today,” Health Minister Olivier Veran tweeted late yesterday. “Tomorrow, 20 million French will have had at least one dose,” which would represent nearly 30% of the population.
The government aims to have 30 million initial doses injected by June 15, when President Emmanuel Macron has said all adults will be able to sign up for a jab currently reserved for priority groups and adults over 50.
The number of people in intensive care stood at 4,352 yesterday, a decline of 90 from the previous day and well below the peak of 6,001 during the “third wave” of infections that battered France starting in March.
On Wednesday, museums, theatres, cinemas and concert halls will reopen with limited capacity after six weeks of closure to halt the pandemic, and the nationwide curfew will be pushed back to 9pm (1900 GMT) from 7pm currently.
Non-essential shops will also reopen and outdoor seating at cafes and restaurants will be allowed for the first time since October 30.
Cafes and restaurants will be able to serve clients indoors on June 9, and the curfew will be fully lifted on June 30 if infection rates continue to decline. – AFP, May 15, 2021
