The Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe, presented his plan to progressively lift the lockdown, which was decreed in mid-March to combat the coronavirus epidemic, at the National Assembly.
He unveiled the main rules to be applied in six key areas starting May 11: schools, shops, businesses, masks, testing-isolation of patients, and gatherings, acknowledging that “we will have to live with the virus.”
Review of the main announcements.
Mandatory mask-wearing in “certain situations”
“There will be enough masks in the country to meet needs as of May 11”
Virological tests will be “scaled up” and “100% reimbursed”
“Upon exiting lockdown, we will be able to scale up testing with 700,000 virological tests per week by May 11”
A transition phase from May 11 to June 2
“If the indicators are not met, we will not lift the lockdown on May 11”
“But if everything is ready for the lifting of the lockdown on May 11, then a phase will begin that will last until June 2.”
Gradual reopening of nurseries and elementary schools from May 11
“We propose a very gradual reopening of nurseries and elementary schools starting May 11, all over the country and on a voluntary basis. In a second phase, starting May 18, but only in departments where virus circulation is very low, we can consider opening middle schools, starting with sixth and fifth grades. We will decide at the end of May if we can reopen high schools, beginning with vocational high schools, in early June.”
Nurseries reopened in groups of “10 children maximum”
“Public mask-wearing will be mandatory for early childhood professionals, as physical distancing rules cannot be applied there. Of course, there will be no mask requirement for children under 3 years old.”
Remote work must be maintained “wherever possible”
How will work resume for those who had to stop their activity during the lockdown? Where possible, “staggered hours” to avoid having too many people at once in businesses. Mask-wearing at workplaces where physical distancing is not possible.
Shops can reopen on May 11, except for cafes and restaurants
“All, except cafes and restaurants, may reopen starting May 11. Markets will generally be allowed, unless mayors or prefects deem it impossible to enforce safety measures,” Notable exceptions: “Prefects may decide not to allow shopping centers over 40,000 m² to open.” Finally, “we will make a decision on bars, cafes, and restaurants at the end of May, to determine if they can open after June 2.”
Transport services and travel will remain limited
“It is certain that the next three weeks will be difficult. Mask-wearing will be mandatory on all public transport, limiting travel to essential professional or family reasons, requiring compulsory reservations in all trains, and discouraging travel between departments.”
Travel certificates will be abolished on May 11 for local trips.
“It will once again be possible to move freely, without certificates, except for travel beyond 100 km from home, which will only be allowed for an essential urgent family or professional reason.”
Social life
“Beaches will remain inaccessible at least until June 1. Large museums, cinemas, theaters will not be able to reopen” (…) Libraries and small museums can open their doors from May 11. (…) There will be no religious ceremonies before June 2. “As for gatherings, they will be limited to 10 people starting May 11.”
