Recommended 2 to 3 days a week, teleworking could become compulsory after an evaluation of the situation in 8 days, announced prime minister Jean Castex. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Recommended 2 to 3 days a week, teleworking could become compulsory after an evaluation of the situation in 8 days, announced prime minister Jean Castex. (Photo: Shutterstock)

With an increase in positive cases in France, there were fears of a new lockdown or curfew following Monday's defence council. In the end, less stringent measures were taken.

With an average of 42,252 newly registered infections on Sunday and 11,526 hospitalisations, the pandemic continues to escalate in France. The government announced less strict restrictions than expected following the defence council on Monday 6 December.

In the evening, prime minister Jean Castex and health minister Olivier Véran announced that:

- The vaccination campaign will be sped up, with the possibility for people over 65 to be vaccinated without an appointment.

- Protocol 3 will be applied in schools from Thursday, with masks to be worn in classrooms and playgrounds.

- Vaccination of the most vulnerable 5 to 11 year olds will be possible from 15 December.

- Night clubs will be closed from Friday for 4 weeks.

- Teleworking is encouraged from 2 to 3 days a week. This measure could become an obligation after an evaluation in 8 days.

“Until the end of the year celebrations, we will ease up on festive and convivial events in the private sphere, to protect ourselves,” announced Castex.

This story was first published in French on . It has been translated and edited for Delano.