Here is the live situation in France as of Friday February 19 , 2021 as for the Covid-19 pandemic. Restrictions, cancelations, schools, aids, and other measures, here are the latest news and the main news to retain.
Found out more below the main news.
Main news:
Coronavirus in France as of February 18: 271 Covid deaths, and 22,501 new cases
Here are the latest data as for the Covid-19 epidemic in France. According to Santé Publique France’s latest data, France reports 271 extra hospital deaths in 24h. This Thursday February 18, 2021, the death toll includes 83,393 deaths, and 22,501 new cases have been reported in 24h.
Coronavirus: Is curfew from 6 p.m. effective? More about the latest data
The coronavirus epidemic keeps on spreading in France and despite curfew from 6 p.m., another lockdown is more and more dreaded. Can it be prevented? It depends on the effectiveness of nationwide curfew that has been assessed. Here is what the latest data from Santé Publique France says.
Olivier Véran's latest press brief: the UK coronavirus variant may be found in 36% of cases
As the coronavirus epidemic keeps on spreading in France, Health Minister addressed the situation. He says the UK coronavirus variant may be found in 36% of coronavirus cases in the country.
Coronavirus: positive cases' quarantine enhanced to 10 days
During the press brief held on January 18, 2021, Health Minister Olivier Véran announced positive cases' quarantine is to be enhanced: it moves from 7 to 10 days.
Covid: a new variant found in the United-Kingdom has scientists worried
And what if a new Covid variant was making trouble in vaccination campaigns around the world…? In a report from the University of Edinburgh – released this Wednesday February 17 – scientists have said this new strain of the virus – similar to the already known UK variant – has been found in December in many countries, France included.
Covid: the epidemic not likely to end before the summer 2022, epidemiologist Didier Pittet assumes
When will the Coronavirus epidemic end? According to epidemiologist Didier Pittet, it is only starting the summer 2022 that “everything will be much easier”, adding the coming two months will be very tricky.
Coronavirus in France: “Our efforts begin to pay off” Jérôme Salomon says
Is France gaining control over the coronavirus epidemic again? France’s Health director general Jérôme Salomon says so during his press brief held on Tuesday November 17, 2020: “our efforts begin to pay off”.
Coronavirus in the world as of Friday February 19, 2021: latest case and death tolls in 24h per country
The whole world has been facing the unprecedented coronavirus health crisis almost a year now. Over 111 million coronavirus cases have been reported and over 2.4 million people have died of Covid-19 worldwide. Discover the toll in countries and the evolution around the world as of Friday February 19, 2021. Macron intends to transfer 3 to 5% of vaccines to Africa. South Africa gives their AstraZeneca doses to the African Union. Morocco extends curfew for two weeks. WHO emergency approved AstraZeneca vaccine. Japan approves its first vaccine. Germany extends lockdown to March 7th. 15 million British people are vaccinated. England instates charged quarantine in hotels.
Coronavirus in Paris and île-de-France as of Friday February 19, 2021
Discover the latest news regarding the coronavirus pandemic in Paris and Ile-de-France. As of Friday February 19, 2021, we have a look on the news in Paris and its surroundings, the restrictions and the evolution of the disease. What is the coronavirus situation like in the Parisian area? We tell you more on the restrictions and measures implemented in the area.
Coronavirus: alarming Covid symptoms and test
The coronavirus epidemic is hitting France, and if you have any doubts about the symptoms of this virus, here is everything you need to know and do in case of contamination if you happen to be in France.
Latest News:
Covid: Gabriel Attal's statements post February 17, 2021's Defense Council
As France keeps on fighting against the coronavirus epidemic, lockdown is not to be reinstated any time soon. Yet, government spokesman Gabriel Attal says that the French could pay a high price "any form of slackening".
Curfew: to be eased off after the school break? What doctors have to say
Curfew has been pulled forward to 6 p.m. since January 14, 2021 in mainland France. Even though the Covid-19 epidemic curve in French keeps on stagnating, and even started to decrease over the past few days, the government might decide to soften restrictions implemented by the end of the school break, namely early March 2021, epidemiologist Martin Balchier says. Yet, the threat of variants remains highly preoccupying.
Covid: when are things to get back to normal in France?
The coronavirus epidemic that has changed the world broke out almost a year ago in France. Many French are now exhausted and depressed. When will things go back to normal? When will cultural places reopen? How long are facemasks compulsory for? Keep reading to find out more.
Lockdown: no new restrictions considered by the government by the end of the winter break
As many people fear a 3rd lockdon in the coming days or weeks, and a new Health Defense Council is held this Wednesday, FranceInfo says the government is not considering additional restrictions by the end of the Winter break.
Covid: is a dramatic surge in Covid-19 cases in March in France to be feared?
The UK Covid variant keeps on spreading across France. According to Scientific Committee member Pr. Fontanet, "if we go on this way" then the UK variant "will become dominant from circa March 1" in the country. Furthermore, hospitals are urged to move to "crisis organization".
Covid: hospitals urged to move to “crisis organization”
In order to face a likely “new epidemic wave”, the Health Minister urged hospitals to move by February 18 to “crisis organization”. This is what Journal du Dimanche said this February 14. Here is more on the matter.
Covid: Pfizer vaccine is 94% effective according a study carried out in a million Israelis
Pfizer and Biontech’s vaccine against coronavirus is said to be 94% effective according to a new study carried out by Clalit, Israel's main healthcare provider, carried out in a million Israelis given the product. A similar result to the ones from the complete study published by the American laboratory that said the vaccine was 95% effective.
New health protocol in schools: closing depending on variant, masks and distancing
As coronavirus keeps on spreading throughout France and the threat of new variants puts more and more pressure on the government that wishes to prevent a new lockdown at all costs, the health protocol in school poses a challenge. Since Friday February 12, closing classes now depends on Covid variant. This modification makes the rules implemented even more bewildering, as they also include types of masks allowed and distancing in canteens. Here are the latest measures.
Covid: is coronavirus-free life possible if France implements stricter measures?
Do we really have to learn how to “live with Covid-19”? Experts are willing to learn something from countries that control the pandemic the best to set up a “zero Covid” strategy. Their goal: getting life as it was back as soon as possible.
Curfew from 6 p.m. in France: how long for?
The French have swapped lockdown for curfew since mid-December. First set up between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. the measure is pulled forward to 6 p.m. in mainland France starting this Saturday January 16, 2021... But how long for?
Covid: shopping malls and department stores are wondering when they will be allowed to reopen
In order to curb the coronavirus epidemic in the country, French Prime Minister has decided to close all non-food shopping malls and department centers from January 31. This February 17, retailers’ federations are asking for more visibility with a reopening calendar, for instance.
Covid: Paris public transit to test virus-destroying fabric
A French SMB has come up with an anti-microorganism and self-cleaning fabric likely to destroy virus when exposed to light. This product has been set in some public transit in the Paris area.
Covid: Johnson & Johnson vaccine soon to be approved by the European Medicines Agency?
Is a new Covid vaccine soon to be marketed in Europe? The European Medicines Agency announced American laboratory Johnson & Johnson sought this Tuesday February 16 marketing authorization for their vaccine. A first before the vaccine is issued in Europe and in France.
Covid: sniffer dogs soon to be used in Île-de-France to detect coronavirus?
What if sniffer dogs were the solution to help and detect Covid-19 positive cases? The Île-de-France region intends to launch an experiment this Wednesday February 17, 2021 in several Île-de-France areas. Here is more on the matter.
Covid: Orly airport to close its Terminal 4
Because of border restrictions, Paris Orly airport closes its terminal 4 until further notice. For the record, the terminal has been shut already back in November and December 2020.
Covid: Sanofi’s second vaccine not to be ready in 2021
After announcing likely delay in the marketing of their Covid vaccine developed with GSK, Sanofi announced this Sunday February 14 that their second vaccine – developed in partnership with American biotech Translate Bio – is not likely to be ready in 2021. The announcement has been made by French pharmaceutical group director general Paul Hudson in an interview with JDD.
Covid: is the nasal spray soon to be issued genuinely effective?
Pharma & Beauty laboratory announced they will issue - starting March 1 - a nasal spray to prevent Covid by eliminating about 99% of the virus. But accoridng to many scientists, this treatment is purely for marketing purpose, no preliminary not in vitro study has been released so far. For the record, in France, two scientific teams are neck and neck to develop a nasal spray Covid “vaccine” easy to use and rather cheap.
Covid: is a dramatic surge in Covid-19 cases in March in France to be feared?
The UK Covid variant keeps on spreading across France. According to Scientific Committee member Pr. Fontanet, "if we go on this way" then the UK variant "will become dominant from circa March 1" in the country. Furthermore, hospitals are urged to move to "crisis organization".
Coronavirus: experimental reopening of museums, movie theaters, and theaters?
Could cultural life return earlier than expected despite the health crisis? The France Urbaine organization states that main cities are willing to try and experimentally reopen museums, theaters and movie theaters. The city of Lyon is already experimenting partial reopening of restaurants.
Coronavirus vaccine: Moderna to increase doses per vial
As vaccination campaigns have been initiated worldwide, Moderna is in talks to increase by 50% vaccine doses per vial, so that they can move from 10 to 15 doses of vaccine per vial.
Coronavirus, the threat of variants: everything you need to know
As vaccine campaigns have debuted all over the world, new coronavirus variants have been found in the United-Kingdom, in South Africa and in Brazil, making the authorities worried. Here is the latest news on the matter.
Coronavirus: saliva tests in schools given the green light
The French National Authority for Health has found saliva RT-PCR test sensitivity satisfactory. These less invasive tests could be deployed in France by the end of the winter break in order to test pupils in schools more easily.
South-African Covid variant: first case of severe reinfection in France
This Friday February 12, the AP-HP has reported a first case of Covid reinfection – by South-African variant – has been found in France. A 58-year-old male contracted the virus in September 2020 and has been contaminated again in January. The man developed severe disease when contaminated for the second time.
Covid: the government ready to decide on local lockdown, Gabriel Attal says
Interview this morning, government spokesman Gabriel Attal announced the government was ready to instate local-based lockdown given the health situation in Moselle as the new case toll infected with the SA variant skyrockets.
New lockdown: “no prediction but we will take responsibility” Olivier Véran warns
As Covid-19 variants spread in France has the health authorities still as worried, Health Minister confirmed during the weekly press brief that a new lockdown is still possible in the event the epidemic markers happen to deteriorate even more.
Covid: museums to provide charged digital tours to revive their activities
Months of closure and almost empty cash registers: the health and economic crisis has left museums at sea. To find new sources of income, some of them are trying to launch charged digital tours.
Coronavirus: towards a local lockdown in France? Areas it might be implemented in
Depending on the evolution of the health crisis, the government may choose to locally-reconfine the country. What are the areas this measure might be implemented in to curb the coronavirus epidemic? Keep reading to find out more.
Covid: one dose of vaccine is said to be enough for people who have been already infected by the virus
In a report given to the government this Friday February 12, the French Haute Autorité de Santé has stated that people who have been already infected by Covid will only get one, and only one, dose of vaccine, for those given the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. The reason? These people – who have been infected already – have then already develop antibodies and only one injection is said to protect them as much, and even more than those given two doses if they have not been infected before.
Tocilizumab, the covid treatment to dramatically reduce deaths, Recovery says
This Thursday February 11, the Oxford University released the results of Recovery clinical trial on Tocilizumab, a medication generally used in rheumatology, but here, it is used to lower the number of Covid patients in ICU. And results are particularly encouraging, echoing the study led in April 2020 by AP-HP. Here is more on the matter.
Covid: does extreme cold curb the spread of the virus?
Does extreme cold France has been experiencing over the past couple of days curb the spread of Covid-19? As we know cold improves the spread of the virus, things are different when temperatures drop below 0°C. Here is more on the matter.
Olivier Véran's latest press brief: the UK coronavirus variant may be found in 36% of cases
As the coronavirus epidemic keeps on spreading in France, Health Minister addressed the situation. He says the UK coronavirus variant may be found in 36% of coronavirus cases in the country.
Coronavirus: are plasma transfusions effective against the disease?
Is plasma transfusion an effective solution against Covid? This is one of the ongoing study topic as to cure coronavirus and it seems to deliver rather mixed results, despite an encouraging Chinese study released in April 2020. Here is more on the matter.
Covid: the SARS-CoV-2 virus was already spreading in France in November 2019, a study says
A study released this Wednesday February 10, 2021 by scientists says that patients suffering from severe pneumopathies hospitalized in November 2019 may have been carrying SARS-CoV-2. These results go against the scenario the epidemic broke out in December 2019 in a Chinese market in Wuhan.
Covid: Can France really prevent a third lockdown?
Yesterday, French Health Minister said it was still possible for France to prevent another lockdown. This February, government spokesman Gabriel Attal confirmed the saying stating “there is a way to prevent lockdown”. Therefore, can France really prevent a third strict lockdown? Here are some possible answers.
Impacts of lockdown and curfew on one’s mental health
At the time of Covid-19-related health and economic crisis, announcing new restrictions such as curfew or lockdown have unfortunately grown ordinary. Yet, doctors and psychologists assure both scenarios to fight against the spread of the virus do not have the same impact on one’s psychology. Deciphering.
Covid: who and when can one get a vaccine?
Despite the details of the mass Covid vaccine campaign and the different steps explained by Jean Castex and Olivier Véran a few weeks ago, you still do not know which group you belong to? What step you are part of? How to know if you can get a vaccine? Here are answers.
Covid: Roselyne Bachelot wants no vaccine passport to enjoy cultural places
As the government is trying to reopen museums soon, Roselyne Bachelot has stood out against instating a vaccine passport for people to enjoy cultural places.
Covid: Pfizer vaccine effective against all mutations of the virus
Pfizer covid vaccine is effective against UK, South-African and Brazilian variants... This is what says a new study conducted in vitro and released this late January in Nature Medicine. A few days earlier, on January 19, another study yet epxlained the contrary when it came to the South-African variant. Here is more on the matter.
Covid-19: Institut Pasteur details the highest risk places of infections
Where are people the most infected with Covid-19, excluding their homes? A question Institut Pasteur's latest ComCor study tried to answer to.
Curfew: “no special treatment” for vacationers arriving past 6 p.m.
As the winter break has started for Zone A, ministry of the interior spokeswoman Camille Chaize said on February 7 on Europe 1 there will be “no special treatment” for vacation departures. Therefore, vacationers who will drive to destination must comply with curfew instated and make it before 6 p.m.
Coronavirus: Is curfew from 6 p.m. effective? More about the latest data
The coronavirus epidemic keeps on spreading in France and despite curfew from 6 p.m., another lockdown is more and more dreaded. Can it be prevented? It depends on the effectiveness of nationwide curfew that has been assessed. Here is what the latest data from Santé Publique France says.
Coronavirus: museums to reopen earlier than expected in France?
Are museums to reopen earlier than expected? This Thursday February 4, 2021 Prime Minister Jean Castex said Minister of Culture Roselyne Bachelot was currently working on an anticipated reopening of circulating cultural places.
Covid vaccine: delayed vaccination campaign could cost Europe billions
Delayed vaccination campaign within the European Union could cost billions to the 27… According to Euler Hermès experts’ calculations, it could cost between 100 million and 3 billion depending on the countries and per week of lockdown, for a total that could reach up to 90 billion euros for 2021.
Covid: identifying animal origin of the pandemic, a "work in progress" WHO's envoys say
At the end of four weeks on a mission, international investigators sent to Wuhan, China, by WHO have held a press conference this February 9, 2021 in order to share the first results of their investigation.
Covid: protocol against coronavirus variants
UK and South-African coronavirus variants have the health authorities worried, and for good reason, they are said to be more contagious than the original coronavirus that broke out in Wuhan. This February 7, the Health director general released an “emergency” memo to change the health protocol as part of the fight against variants: longer self-isolation period, mandatory end of contamination test, quicker school closure. Here is the protocol.
Covid: museums and monuments to be the first cultural places to reopen, Roselyne Bachelot assures
This Monday February 8, 2021 invited on BFMTV, minister Roselyne Bachelot assured she was working on “reopening museums and monuments as soon as possible”, adding they will be the first cultural places to reopen when the health situation enables it.
Covid: a new logo for cloth face-covers allowed to be sold
Starting March 1, 2021, a new logo will be displayed on cloth face-covers allowed to be sold. Goodbye “type 1 masks”, welcome “general public, >90% filtration” masks.
Coronavirus: towards “long-term Covid” recognition and care in France?
This is another step in the fight against coronavirus. A few days ago, Deputy Patricia Mirallès filed a draft report in order to recognize and take care of long-term Covid-19-related complications. This draft report will be discussed on February 17 at the National Assembly.
Covid: pharmacists are preparing to inoculate AstraZeneca vaccine
Good news amid the fight against Covid! This Monday February 1, government spokesman Gabriel Attal announced pharmacists will be allowed to administrate AstraZeneca vaccine once issued in France. Yet, it is not going yo happen right away. According to the president of the Union des Syndicats de Pharmaciens d'Officines, pharmacists will start vaccinating "probably starting from late February".
Cancelling the Covid debt is “unthinkable”, Christine Lagarde says
According to European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde, cancelling the Covid debt has required by a hundred economists is “unthinkable”. Lagarde also forecasts recovery of the European Union by mid-2021.
Covid: is a dramatic surge in Covid-19 cases in March in France to be feared?
The UK Covid variant keeps on spreading across France. According to Scientific Committee member Pr. Fontanet, "if we go on this way" then the UK variant "will become dominant from circa March 1" in the country. Furthermore, hospitals are urged to move to "crisis organization".
Covid: “Worried” about variants, WHO urges Europe to accelerate vaccination
Faced with the threat of variants quickly spreading, WHO’s Europe Director Hans Kluge urges Europe to “join forces” and accelerate vaccination.
Vaccine: vaccine manufacturing, new appointments... the latest governmental announcements
As part of a press brief held this Thursday February 4, 2021, Jean Castex and his ministers addressed the ongoing vaccine campaign widely detailed this January 5 by Health Minister Olivier Véran. New appointments to get the first dose, vaccine supply in France... Here is more on the matter!
Coronavirus: saliva tests in schools given the green light
The French National Authority for Health has found saliva RT-PCR test sensitivity satisfactory. These less invasive tests could be deployed in France by the end of the winter break in order to test pupils in schools more easily.
UK, Brazilian and South-African coronavirus variants in France: how many cases detected so far?
Found on several occasions in France, the UK coronavirus variant – more transmissible than others we knew so far – raises concerns. Other strains including in South Africa and Brazil are worrying as well. But what about their spread in France? Here is more on the matter.
Covid-19: Russian vaccine Sputnik V is 91.6% effective, The Lancet says
As in November 2020 results of the Russian Covid vaccine Sputnik V sparked many doubts given the lack of transparency and as they cut corners in the development of the vaccine, this Tuesday February 2, independent experts released their own assessment in The Lancet. Good news: Sputnik V is 91.6% effective - and not 95% as previously announced. The vaccine is waiting for approval from the European Union to be authorized for marketing very soon.
Covid: variants found in 14% of positive cases in France, an investigation found
As the Covid-19 epidemic keeps on spreading all over the world, a flash investigation carried out by Pr. Bruno Lina for BFMTV says the spread of coronavirus variants increases in France and is found in 14% PCR+ reported by health services.
Covid: variant vaccine developed by GSK and CureVac soon to be available
Laboratories GSK and CureVac have announced they are working together to fight against Covid variants, more transmissible and potentially resisting against products currently available on the market. Vaccine may be authorized for marketing in 2022.
Covid: AstraZeneca to reduce virus spread – a study says
According to a study led by the Oxford University, AstraZeneca Covid vaccine reduces by 67% the spread of the virus from the first dose injected. Good news in the fight against the pandemic and eventually the eradication of the disease.
Jean Castex’s press briefing: no lockdown at this stage
Prime Minister Jean Castex held a press briefing this Thursday February 4, 2021 to address the health crisis in France. According to the government, the current situation does not justify another lockdown to face the coronavirus epidemic.
Lockdown: no new restrictions considered by the government by the end of the winter break
As many people fear a 3rd lockdon in the coming days or weeks, and a new Health Defense Council is held this Wednesday, FranceInfo says the government is not considering additional restrictions by the end of the Winter break.
Covid: Moderna vaccine soon to be manufactured in France
This Wednesday February 3, Deputy Minister for Industry Agnès Pannier-Runacher announced that in addition to deliveries scheduled already, Moderna Covid vaccine will be manufactured in France by a subcontractor. Production is to start “in March”.
Covid: lockdown, vaccine… Emmanuel Macron’s latest statements
This Tuesday February 2, 2021 French President Emmanuel Macron was invited on TF1 to address the ongoing Covid vaccine campaign. He also made several announcements. New lockdown, vaccine production centers opening, campaign timeliness… Here is more on the matter.
Covid: AstraZeneca vaccine approved by France's Haute Autorité de Santé for people under 65
Appproved by the European Medicines Agency since this Friday January 29, Covid vaccine by AstraZeneca has been approved, this Tuesday February 2, by the Haute Autorité de Santé only for people under the age of 65. It is to arrive in France from February 8 - according to Secretary of State for European Affairs Clément Beaune.
Covid: pharmacists are preparing to inoculate AstraZeneca vaccine
Good news amid the fight against Covid! This Monday February 1, government spokesman Gabriel Attal announced pharmacists will be allowed to administrate AstraZeneca vaccine once issued in France. Yet, it is not going yo happen right away. According to the president of the Union des Syndicats de Pharmaciens d'Officines, pharmacists will start vaccinating "probably starting from late February".
New health protocol in schools: closing depending on variant, masks and distancing
As coronavirus keeps on spreading throughout France and the threat of new variants puts more and more pressure on the government that wishes to prevent a new lockdown at all costs, the health protocol in school poses a challenge. Since Friday February 12, closing classes now depends on Covid variant. This modification makes the rules implemented even more bewildering, as they also include types of masks allowed and distancing in canteens. Here are the latest measures.
Delayed lockdown: the executive’s perilous gamble
As Covid-19 and its latest variants keep on spreading across France and everywhere else in Europe, in the evening of Friday January 29, 2021 the government confirmed they want to wait for a few more days before making a firm decision in the fight against the epidemic in order to study any other leads that can still be considered. Scientists and doctors consider the lockdown scenario remains more than ever inevitable in light of the seriousness of the health situation.
Covid: AstraZeneca to deliver 30% extra doses in Europe for the first quarter of the year
This Sunday January 31, European Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen announces AstraZeneca will deliver 30% more vaccine doses than announced for the first quarter of 2021, namely 40 million doses more.
