COVID-19: measures extended until 19 March inclusive

The measures that have been in place since 11 January are set to expire at midnight on 19 February. Given the health situation, H.S.H. Prince Albert II has decided to extend all of the health measures currently in place until 19 March inclusive. This decision is based on recommendations from the Prince’s Government developed in consultation with the National Council through the Joint Monitoring Committee.

The curfew between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. will now remain in place for an additional four weeks. The same applies to the rules in place on eating in restaurants and cafés at lunchtime: access is restricted to residents, employees and schoolchildren in the Principality, booking is mandatory, no more than six guests may be seated at one table, and service may only be offered between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Teleworking remains mandatory in the public and private sectors, with the aim of reducing the number of people coming into the Principality from outside while ensuring that the economy continues to function.

A mass testing campaign involving more than 5,000 tests per week is under way, and the figures show that the virus continues to circulate actively in the Principality. It is true that the incidence rate is trending downwards, but it is still high, placing the Principality at the same level it was at in late December 2020. Last week, there were 276 positive cases per 100,000 inhabitants over a seven-day period. This downward trend can also be seen in the number of hospitalisations, but again, the number of patients being treated at Princess Grace Hospital remains high at 54 as of Tuesday 16 February.

The health situation means that we cannot let our guard down. The health authorities reiterate that it is vital to remain vigilant in private settings, where more than half of infections occur during gatherings between friends and family. It is therefore necessary to act with utmost caution and to limit such gatherings as far as possible. It is absolutely vital to comply with barrier measures when spending time with family: more frequent hand washing, ventilating the room that you are in and avoiding sharing cutlery and glasses. Everyone must take precautions to protect themselves and others.

The Prince’s Government reserves the right to make changes to these measures as the health situation develops, in consultation with the National Council.