For several weeks now, the Covid-19 virus has been circulating very actively and the number of contaminations has been increasing in Monaco. In this context, the government has held discussions with the representatives of employers in the main sectors of activity (FEDEM, Chambre du Bâtiment, AMAF, AIHM, UCAM, monde de la culture, Société des Bains de Mer and Grimaldi Forum), as well as with the employees’ syndicates – USM and F2SM – and the gambling syndicates.
Following these consultations, and in addition to the measures announced on 29 November, the Government has decided to extend use of the health pass in the Principality from 15 December 2021 until 31 January 2022 inclusive.
The aim is to curb the spread of the virus to avoid closing facilities such as restaurants, bars, performance venues and convention halls. The health pass is a tool which has proved effective in protecting people and maintaining the economic activity that is essential to all of us, particularly during this end-of-year festive period.
The new measures concern, first, staff in businesses open to the public where customers are required to show a pass and, second, the validity period for PCR and antigen tests.
Health pass for the staff
The staff in restaurants, bars, hotels and gaming halls will be required to present a health pass. This will also apply to all persons working in places or events that require a health pass for their visitors, spectators, clients or participants. This also includes technical and administrative staff working on site, with the exception of delivery activities and emergency response.
The health pass will have to provide proof of a complete vaccination schedule, or a negative PCR or antigenic test, or a certificate of recovery from Covid more than 11 days and less than 6 months after the last positive test.
In this regard, and following constructive discussions during the various consultation meetings, the government has decided to extend the period of validity of PCR or antigenic tests for the personnel concerned from 24 to 72 hours. This flexibility will thus make it possible to respond to professional responsibilities, while ensuring the health safety of all.
Duration of validity of PCR and antigenic tests
For non-professionals, such as restaurant or hotel guests, or spectators at a major cultural or sporting event, the validity of PCR or antigenic tests is now reduced to 24 hours, taking into account the epidemic rebound.
Vaccination
These measures come at a time when the validity of the health pass outside Monaco will very soon be conditional on a booster dose of vaccine.
