The curfew was supposed to be lifted on Monday 16 August, the day the school year started, but it will “continue for another two weeks”. The 6pm curfew has been extended to 7pm as of Monday 16 August. However, the start of the school year has not been postponed
An insufficient decrease
“You have understood, the situation remains fragile”, said the prefect Jacques Billant during his press briefing on Thursday 12 August at 5pm. The count from 31 July to 6 August showed 3,590 new cases and 10 deaths. The Delta variant has spared no commune. Despite a decrease in the number of positive cases from 420.5 out of 100,000 to 385 out of 100,000, Martine Ladoucette, director of the ARS (Regional Health Authority), pointed out that “the situation in Reunion Island is still deteriorating: the duration and effects of the confinement and curfew are not yet sufficient“. She added that vaccination is still insufficient, with more than 1 on 2 Reunionese of over 12 years old being vaccinated. By 31 August, 50% of the population of Reunion aged over 12 could be fully vaccinated. The ambition is to reach 90% by mid-November.
Curfew at 7pm
The partial confinement is therefore extended until 31 August. “I have decided to postpone the start time of the curfew to 7pm” said the prefect. This step aims at “decongestion of road traffic” and better manage traffic with the school reumption. “These two weeks should allow us to see a clear decline in the epidemic and ensure the return to school in the safest possible environment,” he added.
“A protected return to school and presence”
The return to school will be as planned and “As last year, the Academy favours face-to-face teaching. Reinforced protection measures will be implemented, vaccination campaigns for high school and college students piloted by the ARS will be organized in the days following the start of the school year. Testing campaigns will be maintained in schools and colleges in areas where the virus is circulating“, said Chantal Manès-Bonnisseau, the Rector.
Health pass not yet compulsory everywhere!
As for the health pass of disarray, it remains a guarantee to reopen access to social areas without risk, “since 10 August, recreational facilities, bars and restaurants have been able to reopen their doors within the curfew hours and within a radius of 10 km during the day. It is obvious that the establishments receiving the public have to respect it, it is a question of the decrease of the current epidemic situation” says Jacques Billant. Nevertheless, the health pass will not be compulsory in large shopping centres despite the government’s request and Gabriel Attal’s reminder to the Council of Ministers that shopping centres of 20,000 m2 should apply the health pass in departments with an incidence rate of over 200.
School resumes on Monday with a partial lockdown until the end of August and a 7pm curfew.
