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Decision on whether to reopen French ski resorts ‘due within 10 days’

France's prime minister has been meeting with employees of the country's ski sector as the government grapples with the issue of reopening winter resorts.

Published: 23 November 2020 15:46 CET
Decision on whether to reopen French ski resorts 'due within 10 days'
Illustration photo: AFP

At present all ski resorts in France are closed as the country is under lockdown. Although less strict than the spring lockdown, every person in France still needs a permission form and an 'essential reason' to leave their home.

But as the government prepares to announce the next stage of the lockdown from December 1st, which is expected to involve lifting some restrictions, the government also needs to decide on the question of reopening ski resorts in the Alps and Pyrenees.

READ ALSO France lockdown: What's next and when do we find out more?

The end of the 2019/20 ski season was curtailed by the arrival of the pandemic in France in February and the subsequent lockdown from March 17th.

Now the resorts would expect to be beginning a new season, but cannot open.

Prime Minister Jean Castex has been meeting with representatives from the industry, which forms a major part of France's tourist sector, both with foreign and domestic tourists.

The prime minister said: “At this stage, this issue is not yet clear-cut, as the options are still being considered given the uncertainties about the evolution of the health situation.

“The meeting made it possible to examine more precisely the conditions for the implementation of the different scenarios, be it the definition of a specific health protocol or, in the event of closure, the details of economic and social support for the companies and seasonal workers.
 
“In view of the preparation time needed to allow for a possible opening for the end-of-year holidays, a decision will be taken within the next ten days. It will be made in the light of the evolution of the health situation, which must be the essential criterion, and taking care to be as consistent as possible with our neighbouring countries.”
 
It is a dilemma being faced by several Alpine countries – in Austria most resorts remain closed until at least December 6th while in Switzerland resorts are generally open, albeit with strict health rules in place and restrictions on people from certain countries travelling.
 
The German government has advised its citizens against taking skiing holidays, and warned that they may face quarantines on their return.
 
France's ski resorts are usually the destination for thousands of seasonal workers at this time of year, but bosses have largely been forced to put hiring on hold because of the uncertainty of the situation.
 

Member comments

  1. I understand the resorts wanting to open regardless of public health issues, and wishing to ameliorate the catastrophic effects on local employment, but I have no idea why anyone would wish to run the risk of contracting covid19 and/or helping to spread the virus for social or sporting reasons or simply holidays. It’s hardly ‘necessary’ just because it’s enjoyable.
    For 99% of the population there will be another time in the future. Can’t they miss just a few weeks entertainment?

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COVID-19 VACCINES

How to get a Covid vaccine in France this October

France launched a new Covid vaccination campaign on Monday. Everyone is eligible for a booster dose, although it is specifically recommended for high-risk groups. Here's how to get your shot.

Published: 2 October 2023 10:21 CEST
How to get a Covid vaccine in France this October

Rising case numbers and the emergence of new variants pushed French health authorities to bring forward the new Covid vaccination campaign to October 2nd – it was initially scheduled to start on October 17th. 

While anyone can receive the vaccine, the Health Ministry is specifically recommending that the following groups to do so:

  • People over the age of 65;
  • People with co-morbidities;
  • Pregnant women;
  • Immunosuppressed people;
  • Care home residents or confined to a medical unit for long-term treatment;
  • Anyone who comes into regular contact with immunosuppressed people or people who a vulnerable to respiratory infections. 

French health authorities have indicated that they will prioritise the use of vaccines specifically adapted to the XBB.1.5 Omicron sub-variant, which currently the main strain of the virus circulating in France. The main vaccine suited to tackling this sub-variant is the RNA Messenger vaccine developed by Pfizer/BioNTech, which also remains effective against other variants.

It is also possible to use Sanofi an Novavax vaccines, but Novavax will not have a vaccine adapted to the XBB.1.5 sub-variant until November.  

France is also launching a nationwide flu vaccination campaign later this month. You can read more about the necessary steps to get one here. 

How to get a Covid booster dose

Your GP (médecin traitant) should be able to give you a Covid booster on appointment. Pharmacy staff, nurses, dentists and midwives are also able to administer booster doses. If you want to receive a vaccine at the pharmacy, you should be able to set an appointment in the pharmacy itself or over the phone. 

The simplest way to book yourself for a booster dose (dose de rappel) is through the Doctolib website.  

READ MORE France’s autumn 2023 Covid vaccine booster campaign ‘will be open to all’

If you live in a care home or a special unit for people requiring long-term treatment, vaccination is organised on-site. 

The vaccination itself is free for anyone residing in France, even if you don’t yet have a carte vitale. If you do have a carte vitale however, you should bring it to your appointment.

When to receive a booster

The nationwide vaccination campaign began on October 2nd.

But you cannot get a booster if it has been less than 6 months since your last Covid infection (based on the date you tested positive) or your last vaccine shot. 

It is possible to receive a Covid vaccination and flu vaccination at the same time. If you wish to do so, you will need to wait until the flu vaccination campaign begins on October 17th. 

What about children? 

Children over the age of 5 are no longer recommended to have more than one vaccination against Covid-19. However, if your child has a comorbidity, such as asthma, you should consult with a medical professional to decide whether it could be worth getting a booster. 

For children under the age of five who have already had one vaccine dose or who have already been infected, it is still worth getting one more vaccine, according to French Health Authorities. For children under the age of five who have never received Covid vaccines or been infected, it is recommended that they get a total of three shots, with a 21-day gap between the first two, and an 8-week gap between the second and third. 

If you are in any doubt, please consult your doctor or pharmacist. 

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