COVID-19: easing of restrictions and end of the health protocol for companies from March 14

Easing of restrictions on campus from March 14:

•    End of the health protocol for companies;

•    Recommendation to continue wearing masks in closed and shared spaces;

•    Resumption of normal service for the company restaurant;

•    Prior permission no longer required for social gatherings and events with external guests.

The French government has announced an easing of restrictions from March 14, with the resumption of normal operation in companies. This includes the lifting of the mask mandate everywhere apart from on public transport and in health care facilities.

The resumption of normal activities on the Institut Pasteur's two Paris sites (rue du Docteur Roux and rue de Charenton) is in line with this guidance.

However, given the continued high rate of circulation and transmission of the virus, the BCP/PBRP Committee would like to appeal to the sense of responsibility of everyone on campus and would recommend that you continue to wear masks in closed spaces and in situations where the number of people makes it impossible to maintain a safe distance.

In line with national measures concerning healthcare institutions, masks must continue to be worn in the Institut Pasteur Medical Center (CMIP), given its specific mission. The same applies for appointments at the Occupational Health Department. You are also strongly recommended to wear a mask if you are infected, a contact or symptomatic.

Surgical masks will continue to be distributed every day until further notice.

Hygiene rules (regular hand washing, regular airing of premises and cleaning of surfaces) should continue to be applied so as to limit the spread of the virus, especially to protect vulnerable individuals or those at risk of developing a severe form of COVID-19.

An occupancy limit of 80% will continue to apply for meeting rooms to enable a progressive return to in-person meetings.

From next Monday, the company restaurant will resume normal service and there will no longer be distancing requirements between people seated at tables. Takeaway meals will continue to be offered for Institut Pasteur staff who prefer to eat in their office or outside, now that the weather is warming up.
 
Social gatherings should be organized in accordance with room occupancy limits or held outdoors on campus.

The government is lifting the vaccine pass requirement from March 14, so we will also lift this requirement for any events where it previously applied (with external visitors or a combination of external visitors and staff).
 
Social gatherings and events with external guests no longer require prior permission from the BCP Committee.

Finally, with regard to working arrangements, we would remind you that, as indicated in the message sent out on February 18, the special measures for home working ceased to apply on March 7. The agreement on working from home signed in July 2021 is now applicable in agreement with line managers. A reminder of the measures provided by this agreement can be found at the following link (in French).

The BCP/PBRP Committee will continue to monitor the developing health situation and reserves the right to adapt the measures if the level of circulation of the virus on campus disrupts the Institut Pasteur's activities and missions.

The BCP/PBRP Committee