Guest of BFM Politique this Sunday, the Minister of Health, François Braun, does not close the door on a return to the mandatory use of the mask to fight against the Covid-19 contaminations currently on the rise. However, he says that he prefers to appeal to individual responsibility.
“If we continue to increase contamination, my arm will not shake if we have to decide on the mandatory nature of the mask, even in all circumstances, if we reach this level,” he announces.
“Decisions will follow the situation”
However, he tempers by specifying that he considers “that at present”, the situation does not warrant a return to this daily obligation. “I follow the situation day by day and the decisions will follow the situation,” he said.
Despite this warning, the Minister of Health says that he hopes not to have to come to an obligation and prefers to call for individual responsibility. “In general, I am not in favor of coercion. I trust the French”, he justifies him.
The return of this obligation is possible through a health emergency law, but it can also be decided by decree of Élisabeth Borne.
A “complicated situation” due to a triple epidemic
Although the pollution figures have started to rise again, François Braun believes that the country is currently experiencing a “complicated situation for several days” in terms of health.
Indeed, in addition to the positive cases for Covid, the minister recalls that “bronchiolitis is still there and puts pressure on the hospital”, but also that “the flu is coming”, with the west of France in an epidemic situation.
“That is why there is no miracle threshold” that would say that the return of the use of the mask is essential, he justifies.
A “solemn call for vaccination”
François Braun also once again called on the French to get vaccinated, as the 4th dose campaign fades.
“I make a solemn call for vaccination,” he said, echoing the prime minister’s “solemn call” to postpone wearing a mask on public transport.
As the end-of-year celebrations approach, conducive to family and friendly gatherings, the minister believes that vaccination against Covid, but also against flu, is “imperative” for fragile people.
“It is still absurd, we know that if we do not vaccinate, we are going to have deaths and we do not vaccinate,” he laments.
It also asks the directors of health facilities, EHPAD and doctors to encourage their patients from vulnerable populations to get vaccinated.
Source: BFM TV
