PARIS — French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe and key members of the government on Thursday announced final details of the country’s 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 country’s 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 disinfected at least once per day, Minister of the Ecological and Inclusive Transition Élisabeth Borne said.
Access to public transport at rush hour will be restricted to passengers who have an authorization declaring a professional or essential reason for traveling. Some stations will be closed if there is a risk of crowding.
Inter-regional and high-speed train travel will be “very limited” during the first three weeks after May 11, but service will be increased to 20-30 percent of usual traffic levels next week (from 7 percent currently) to reach 40 percent by end of May. Reservations and masks will be mandatory, with penalty fines of €135. Only 50 percent of seats will be sold to keep passengers apart in trains.
Want more analysis from POLITICO? POLITICO Pro is our premium intelligence service for professionals. From financial services to trade, technology, cybersecurity and more, Pro delivers real time intelligence, deep insight and breaking scoops you need to keep one step ahead. Email pro@politico.eu to request a complimentary trial.