4 takeaways from Frances lockdown exit plan

PARIS — French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and key members of the government on Thursday announced final details of the countrys partial lockdown exit plan, starting Monday.

The plan includes massive testing and limits on movement of people as well as stricter rules for regions most affected by the virus.

Most shops will be allowed to reopen with a number of exceptions including restaurants, bars, movie theaters and large museums, which could reopen early June in some regions depending on the situation then.

Here are four key measures meant to slowly restart the countrys economic and social life while keeping the virus in check.

1. Red and green areas

Latest figures on the virus spread are “good enough” to proceed to the lockdown exit phase, the prime minister said, but “the country is to be cut in two, because the virus is circulating more quickly in some regions.”

The country has been split into “red” and “green” areas. The Paris region and the northeast of the country have been labeled “red” due to a higher number of cases, with parks and middle schools remaining closed until further notice.

2. More exemptions for cross-border travel

French borders will remain closed until June 15, except for cross-border workers and specific cases, Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said.

“We have decided to allow some additional exemptions to allow the crossing of the border between France and an EU country, e.g. for travels related to the care, visit or education of a child, as well as for inhabitants of the European area who have a compelling economic reason and an employment contract, in particular seasonal agricultural workers,” Castaner said.

3. Targeted quarantines

Health Minister Olivier Véran said the testing capacity would be “massive” for people who have symptoms of coronavirus or have been in contact with COVID-19 cases. For both, isolation measures will apply for at least seven days, even for people who have tested negative. Masks will be fully reimbursed for sick people.

The government last week said it aimed to carry out at least 700,000 tests per week by May 11, testing all people, symptomatic or not, who have had close contact with someone who tested positive.

Véran also announced €1,500 bonuses for all nursing home employees at high risk and €1,000 to others.

4. Transport limitations

Trains, metros and buses will be disinfeRead More – Source

[contf] [contfnew]

politico

[contfnewc] [contfnewc]