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FRANCE IS LIFTING most Covid-19 restrictions but retaining vaccination certs as case numbers ease.
The country has loosened several of the restrictions imposed to curb the latest surge, with authorities hoping a recent decline in daily cases will soon ease pressure on overburdened hospitals.
The move has divided experts after authorities reported record coronavirus infections just last month, with critics accusing the government of making a hasty bet on a return to normality.
President Emmanuel Macron is betting that widespread vaccinations will curb the pandemic, with proof of inoculation now required for the health pass used to access everything from bars and restaurants to cinemas and long-distance public transport.
The government says more than 90% of adults are vaccinated, and booster shots or proof of recovery from Covid-19 will be required to retain the new health pass — a recent negative test result is no longer accepted.
From Wednesday, wearing face masks outdoors will no longer be mandatory, and audience capacity limits have been lifted for theatres, concerts, sporting matches and other events.
Working from home is also no longer required, though it remains strongly recommended.
A second stage of easing is set for 16 February, when nightclubs can reopen after being shut in December, and standing areas will again be allowed at concerts, sporting events and bars.
Eating and drinking will also be permitted in stadiums, cinemas and public transport from that date.
Macron also suggested in a press interview published Tuesday that restrictions imposed for schools, which include face mask requirements, could be eased after the winter breaks scheduled for later this month.
Authorities view the threat of the Omicron variant as less dangerous than previous strains of the virus, even though it is more contagious.
“We have seen a weak reversal of the trend over the past few days, with fewer cases declared each day than seven days earlier,” government spokesman Gabriel Attal told France Info radio Tuesday.
An average of 322,256 cases were recorded over the previous seven days, according to latest figures, down from 366,179 a week ago.
Attal called it a “very encouraging signal” but said officials “remain cautious” because of a “very contagious” sub-variant of Omicron, BA.1, that appears to have delayed the peak of infections in other countries.
France also still has some 3,750 Covid-19 patients in intensive care, above the government’s target of 3,000, and on average the country is seeing 261 Covid-19 deaths at hospitals every day.
“We’ve clearly passed the peak, we hope the decline will be quick. But we’re coming from stratospheric levels, so this wave is still far from over,” the epidemiologist Mahmoud Zureik told French daily Le Parisien today.
As of Tuesday, France had recorded 131,312 Covid-19 deaths since the beginning of the outbreak.
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“It’s a democracy” is it now Micheál? Could have fooled me. Perhaps we should start acting like a democracy and let the people decided, whether we want to introduce vague hate crime legislation. As the huge majority poled are not in favour of it. Yet your Government are ploughing ahead without the slighest care for democracy
@Zim Zimma: ‘As the huge majority poled are not in favour of it’ – what poll is that?
@Brendan O’Brien: ah there you are Brian…wondering how long it would take you to respond.
@EMcD: I mean Brendan…
@EMcD: This is FF’s “leader” telling a whopper load of pork pies just prior to the last general election :
www. facebook.com/watch/?v=112005366871147
Pity for FF that he is a brilliant spoofer but a shocking politician.
@Zim Zimma: A lot of people, with sore bums today I say?
MM gets quite narky and petty when he’s caught out, doesn’t he? :D
@Bong bong: except that he wasn’t caught out!
@Killian O’Sullivan: Yes he was, he was forced to withdraw his remarks.
@Bong bong: MM is 100% Correct Great leader
@David Harries: Your sense of humour knows no bounds.
The irony. Martin talks about freedom of speech when he voted for the “hate bill” and Murphy voted against it.
Please email your councillors and TDs and ask them to state, on the record, their position on neutrality and joining NATO
@Sean: also ask them about their attitude to swarms of illegal immigrants that are having a direct affect on our society and individuals now – not some hypothetical future development that might actually be in our interests to protect our waters and airspace.
@Thomas Sheridan: ‘sawrms’… arriving on the backs of dragons I suppose
By any chance did MM actually answer the question or did he just go straight into calling names and bull
@Mogh Roith: Politics is the art of avoiding the question!
Martin shudders..A man who was part of the FF / Green government that facilated the banks and developers in the economic destruction of this country. A man who goes apoplectic when questioned by the opposition..Of course Martin conveniently fails to mention when he and FF were in opposition they kept Varadkar and FG in power with a confidence and supply agreement. Bit hypocritical don’t you think Martin..You are in authority…Crumbling Health service, Homelessness, Housing crisis, Rental crisis , A make it up as you go along refugee policy…Hypocrisy at it’s best from Martin.
Disgusting comment. If Murphy is in that position it would be the will of the people. Then again, we saw how much FF respects the will of the people, refusing to go into government with the party who got the most votes in the last election
@John O’Reilly: the combined votes for the govt are what matters, not who got the most votes. That combined govt total will always be greater than the vote for any single party. Therefore, the govt represents the greatest number of voters. For the record, I voted PBP. I feel as disappointed as you. But I accept the outcome of a PR election.
@John O’Reilly: In 1973, FF got 46% of the vote (twice as much as SF last time) and didn’t become part of the government. It is perfectly normal in our parliamentary system.
@alan: actually MM said on the six one news that the voters wanted FG out of government and he goes straight into government with them
@Brendan O’Brien: those were the days when FFG had over 90 per cent between them. Those days are gone. Now they have less than 46 per cent combined.
@alan: True, they are free to form a government with whoever they can form a majority with…… But what’s disgusting is that MM said pre election that they wouldn’t go into power with FG, then look what happened. He’d do anything to become Taoiseach. Even take the helm in the middle of a pandemic instead of keeping the status quo with Varadkar and Harris (which would have been in the best interest for the country). I’m no fan of Leo but he was doing a better job than MM did when he took over. Misinformation and blunders everywhere from him and Donnelly. Nothing but self interest from MM
@Brian Madden: Yes, but parties are still free to form coalitions with whoever they want.
the irony of the tanaiste going on about free speech when he is pushing the evil most people dont want it “thought crimes” law
“There was no bank bailout”
Said by:– Michel Martin
Where ?: — The Dail
When ? — December 16th 2020
To whom: — Richard Boyd Barrett
Fact he said it in the Dail means he was telling the whole country these alternative facts.
So not only did FF contribute to the Banking crisis, they are now trying to cry “What crisis ?”
I can imagine the mans hand movements now, as I speak.
A man is only as good as his hand movements.
“I’m not withdrawing. Like, we’re in a parliament. I believe fundamentally to the right of freedom of expression in this parliament.” But he doesn’t believe in freedom of expression outside of Leinster House and is hell-bent on bringing in a law to ensure that we don’t express an opinion contrary to theirs. The hypocrisy is off the charts with this man and his cronies.
@HMurphy: “Free Speech for me – but not for thee”. The hypocrisy is indeed OFF THE ACTUAL CHARTS with this man. No exaggeration, no hyperbole – he’s an absolute, de-facto HYPOCRITE.
Micheàl Martin being very hawkish of late. I suspect he might have his eye on some cushy European number, wants to impress the overlords and get a pat on the head.
@JedBartlett: he is an astute politician unlike Murphy who jumps on any bandwagon to get noticed
@JedBartlett: kick on the hole he needs
@Brendan O’Brien: My mistake Brendan, poll was the incorrect word to use. It was those that responded to the public consultation, some 74% of which were in opposition to the legislation, but yet they plough ahead and dismiss the concerns of those consulted in what can only be described as a complete slap in the face to the democratic will of the majority consulted. So the point remains the same. Anything else from you.?
@Zim Zimma: The submissions were from a self-selecting sample: probably largely the kind of people who rant on this site, and not necessarily representative of the public in general.
@Brendan O’Brien: It is not like an opinion poll, in other words.
@Brendan O’Brien: The majority of people who( rant) as you put it are entitled to an opinion concerning the debate on hand. Of course the likes of Martin would disagree with viewpoints that take him and Varadkar to task..Martin will take the history of other political parties to task..Conveniently forgetting his and FFs history past , recent and the present. A hypocritical man of the highest order.
MM knowingly lied to the Dail when he stated, no bank bailout happened in Ireland. He was part of the Government that initiated it. People on here defending him, while at the same time saying its right that Bojo got his comeuppance for lying to the UK Parliament. Hypocrisy at its finest, but no accountability in Ireland, not for our political elite. FFG Out
Martin Von Showboaty face! Should get an award for drama.
I’m on a daily dose of muscle relaxants, so my body doesn’t spasm in random ways due to the effects of Martin, FF, FG, etc. Shuddering had become a way of life.
Was mm not in the cabinet when the government busted the economy lost our sovereignty and had to beg for money ?
Before bailing out the builders and banks .I shudder at that memory
New IPSOS poll today has
FG: 18%,
FF: 21%,
SF: 31%,
SocDems: 5%,
Greens: 4%,
Labour 4%,
PBP: 2%,
Aontú: 1%,
Independents: 14%,
Others: 0%
Well said Micheál Martin. That Murphy lad does my head in.
@honey badger: He certainly does Martin’s head in…Martin goes apoplectic every time he is questioned by the opposition. Free speech? Martin is of the opinion only his version of free speech matters.
Let’s become another American state,and be done with it…
Is this the Paul Murphy who was accused of holding the then Deputy Burton captive for hours a number of years ago and went into court and got free legal aid and walked away scott free?. Any man who is associated with holding women against their will, I really wouldn’t have much time for or his apologists
@Thomas O’Donnell: you mean the Paul Murphy who was acquired of any offence by a jury of his and your peers. Ave you an issue with judicial system?
@Thomas O’Donnell: In case it escaped your attention the accused were declared innocent by a jury of their peers. In fact the judge that presided in the case stated the guards had all but lied in their evidence. Seems you accept the verdict of a judge and jury only if it suits your narrative. That was the reaction of the likes of FG and so called Labour when the verdict was announced..Well done to the jury who did their duty.
@M Bowe: ‘Ave you an issue with judicial system?’
Quite an ironic question coming from an SF member, in fairness.
@M Bowe: But claimed Free legal aid even through he earns 110K a year. People b4 profit my ass
@M Bowe: But claimed Free legal aid even through he earns 110K a year. People b4 profit my donkey
@M Bowe: Paul Murphy who is a politician of non repute
Martin is a liar, there can be no doubt about that at this stage!
More theatre for the public, designed to make us believe that the government doesn’t act unopposed. Probably high fived afterwards and had a great laugh at us for swallowing this crap. In reality, they’re all the same and they don’t work for us. Capital punishment should be brought back for these people.
The Tanaiste and his cohort are fooling themselves only, if that, with this orchestrated forum that is to give the appearance of democracy to an important decision on our countries neutrality.
I’m with Paul Murphy on this one.
Vomit
Anyone from outside Ireland looking at headline picture would think it was an audition for Star trek Picard season 4
People get the politicians they vote for and deserve.As we look around the world voters in general are a fairly thick and brainless bunch when they have voted for the dangerous politicians they have elected both Government and oppositions and in Ireland we have really out done ourselves
@Tim Brennan: You have a point, the average Irish IQ is one of the lowest in Europe.
This is FF’s “leader” telling a whopper load of pork pies just prior to the last general election :
www. facebook.com/watch/?v=112005366871147
Pity for FF that he is a brilliant spoofer but a shocking politician.
Maybe we should have a citizen’s assembly on Irish democracy and the electoral system.
Mehole has gone full trumping,
I’m no FF or FG man in fact I oppose their government but he triple lock system has to go to have the security council in control of our ability to declare war was pure naivety. The simple fact the most aggressive nations in the world are security council members.
@Brendan O’Brien Oh it’s “probably” and “not necessarily representative” is it? I’ll be a bit more affirmative in my language. I think you are DEFINITELY talking through your hoop.
Again in the affirmative, it’s DEFINITELY a stronger indication that the majority don’t want it than any you can provide to the contrary.
So in the spirit of democracy the question of whether this legislation is wanted or not should be at the very least posed to the wider public, perhaps by referendum (I am aware there is no legal necessity to do so) but if the Government and people like you are so confident that the majority of the public want it, then what are you and they worried about? No need to answer that Brendan, because we both know the answer.
Anyone who votes for Mr Burns and Mr Leo in the next election should well and truly have to be mentally tested.
Theatre, both of them showed their inner fascist during the covid scam.
Authority?
A pair of fascists trying to outdo each other.
@Pato: in the words of Ghandi -if there is an idiot in power those who voted for him are well represented
Helen McEntee’s husband, Paul Hickey, is a Director at Big Pharma company Abbvie which produces puberty blockers. This is a conflict of interest in her desire to pass a law that is designed to silence opposition to the sterilization and mutilation of young people who are confused about their sexuality or their identity. According to Swedish studies 80-90% of young people who present with gender dysphoria in their teens, grow out of it by their twenties. Sweden has stopped prescribing puberty blockers to children as they have lifelong effects which are NOT reversible.
Blue collar fascists are in government only look after themselves and pals.. the country us in ruins..
Amazing how politicians don’t be charged with the fraudulent actions they are involved in by giving away our resources, rds and money to the rich..
Martin seems to be rather spineless!
We need an open and honest public debate on what is likely to be the biggest medical scandal in history.
The British are taking action against this (the NHS has just stopped prescribing puberty blockers to children this week) while Helen McEntee want to open the door for her husband’s employer Abbevie Pharmaceutical to flood the Irish market with their sterilizing drugs.
Michael Martin & his government have passed a Hate Speech bill without a definition of what “hate speech” means in law and without any discernible opposition in the Dail.
Our Seanad does not have the power to stop this bill becoming law. It can only recommend amendments – the government can still (and will still in my opinion) push it through. It will then need to be amended or removed by the next incoming government when this lot are voted out.
This hate bill claims to protect minorities such as Travellers and Refugees but is designed FIRST and FOREMOST to give special privileges to middle and upper class Trans identified men who demand access to women only spaces and the women’s sports category. It is designed to silence any reasonable opposition to this despite the fact that every human being on earth can instantaneously recognize someone’s sex when standing in front of them. Women only toilets and spaces were introduced because a minority of men are predators who use their physical strength to sexually assault women or children who are physically smaller. Men who identify as women are no less of a risk to women and children than the male population at large. In fact, they are 5 times more likely to be incarcerated in the US or the UK for sex crimes than other biological males. These are the official figures from the US and England/Wales justice systems which are available to access online.
@Pat the Baker:
More than 90% of men who identify as women retain their meat & two veg – they are just as likely to sexually assault women and girls in a vulnerable place such as public toilets as any other biological male.
So what, we’re supposed to pretend alignment with Russia is the same as alignment with NATO?
What have we in Ireland in common with Russia in terms of business, politics, culture or anything else – nothing.
Let’s just call it as it is. Russia is the enemy and we may or may not join NATO to give us some protection.
@Gerard McAuliffe: Martin and Varadkar are the same as the likes of the leaders of Europe in 1914 who banged the war drums…Two hypocritical men who will bring this country to its knees again..like Hitler in the bunker they will destroy this country.
@Gerard McAuliffe: You must be joking, NATO is just US imperialism.
Sweden has stopped prescribing puberty blockers to children as they have lifelong effects which are NOT reversible as has been claimed by Trans Ideologists.
These include sterilization, deep baritone voices and male pattern baldness for LIFE for women who stop taking them after just two years…
For young men it is even worse.
Puberty blockers used on pre-teen boys prevent their privates from developing any further.
This means that if the boy changes his mind about being trans, he will be left with a tiny private for the rest of his life.
Who would want this to be done to any child?
If the boy decides as an adult he wishes to “transition” to female,
his under-sized private will be too small for surgeons to model a fake female private from.
They will then use tissue from other parts of his body, typically taking a section of his colon to remodel as a fake female private.
This operation carries enormous risks due to the nature of the bacteria that live in the colon.
One young man died as a result of infections in his neo private.
Two additional operations were carried out to remove the decaying tissue but these failed to save his life.
Finger Pointing twit . Shows his lack of adaptability in a debate. Varadkar is the same, the voice gets croakier and the veins start showing. Can we please ensure that future politicians go through a recognised curriculum that has basic skills like, oration ,debate, finance and basic IT skills. They are embarrassing . Might help deal with the levels of Nepotism also.
The Micky has completely lost it now. Has zero time for anyone that challenges him and we all know how Dictators start. He has been a failure and he knows it. SF living in his head rent free. A power grabbing traitor to the vast majority of Irish citizens.
And what are we supposed to defend ourselves with when the Russians come calling like they could have. A pea shooter and a few guns? We need a proper army not bits of one and we need membership of nato. We are dealing with a new sort of enemy in the Russians, one who doesn’t care about rules and one who gladly attacks neutral countries. Remember Ukraine was neutral too! And see what that got them! We have Russian warships going up and down the Atlantic just outside our waters and what can we do about it? A strongly worded letter to the ambassador? Use green ink maybe that’ll scare him? We have Russian fighter planes flying off the west coast. What do we have?. It’s ridiculous that in this world we are sticking to a piece of paper for our security.
Could never trust that Martin, he’s a professional sleeveen and WILL sell us out
What mick Martin going to come with next the man is a danger to Ireland
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