COVID-19: Extension of the Measures until 18 April Inclusive

The measures that have been in force since 11 January 2021, which were extended on 17 March 2021, expire this Friday, 2 April, at midnight. In view of the health situation, H.S.H. Prince Albert II has decided to extend all the current health measures, moving the starting time of the curfew forward by one hour. From 3 April, the curfew will be in place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. This decision follows the proposals of His Government established in consultation with the National Council at the Joint Monitoring Committee.

Encouraging developments in the health situation, but not sufficient

The health situation in the Principality shows that the measures put in place have made it possible to slow down the circulation of the virus. In practical terms, in two months, the incidence rate has been halved.

With regard to hospitalisation, the figures are improving, although the number of patients treated at the CHPG remains high. As at Thursday 1 April, 27 COVID patients are hospitalised, seven of whom are in intensive care.

These results are thanks to the efforts made by everyone throughout the last few weeks, and progress in vaccination. Currently, more than 11,500 people have been vaccinated, i.e. more than 30% of the resident population in the Principality. The Prince's Government is continuing the vaccination campaign for people over 55 years of age who have expressed a wish to be vaccinated; it will then be extended to other groups.

Modified curfew

From this Saturday, 3 April, the curfew will be reduced by one hour; it will be in place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. The rules relating to consumption in restaurants at midday remain applicable - access is reserved for residents, employees and schoolchildren of the Principality, booking is essential, the number of guests is limited to six per table, and service can only take place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Mandatory teleworking in the private and public sectors remains in force. The aim is to reduce the influx of people from outside the Principality while maintaining economic activity.

Face-to-face classes continue

As far as educational activities are concerned, all schools remain open and will be giving classes next week.

Regarding the spring holidays, initially planned from the evening of 22 April to the morning of Monday 10 May, the Minister of Interior will begin a consultation tomorrow with heads of schools, teachers and parents' associations to determine the best possible option:

-       Either to synchronise the holiday arrangements with those of the Nice academy, which run from 12 to 26 April, meaning that face-to-face classes would return on that date,

-       or to maintain the spring holiday as scheduled, meaning that schools would be open, with face-to-face classes, until the evening of 22 April. Classes would then resume on Monday 10 May.

This consultation is essential, because it is necessary to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of the two options and their consequences. Discussions will also take place with the National Council. The aim of the Prince's Government is to do everything possible to ensure that quality of the education provided in Monaco is maintained over the coming weeks.

We must not lower our guard

Even though the trend in the health situation is encouraging, we still need to remain vigilant and attentive. Therefore, we must not lower our guard. On the eve of this Easter weekend, health authorities stress that we must remaining vigilant in the private sphere, where more than half of all cases are caused by transmission at social gatherings. It is therefore essential to be very careful and limit these gatherings as much as possible. It is absolutely necessary to adhere to the preventative health measures at family gatherings: observe better hand hygiene, air the room occupied and do not share cutlery or glasses. It is essential that everyone takes precautions to protect themselves and others.

The Prince's Government reserves the right to modify these measures in line with changes in the health situation, in consultation with the National Council.