In his address on Thursday 28th May, the French Prime Minister, Édouard Philippe, announced that the next end-of-lockdown phase would begin on Tuesday, 2nd June, due to a significant improvement in the number of cases of COVID-19 in France.
During this address, a map of the health situation in all of France’s metropolitan regions and overseas territories was presented. The orange areas (Ile-de-France, Mayotte and French Guiana) on this map have more restrictive end-of-lockdown measures than the green areas. The French Government has also clarified the rules and regulations as per the lockdown exit plan and the current health situation. This information can be found here.
As of the 2nd June, bars and restaurants will be able to reopen – open terraces only in “orange” areas – as well as museums, theatres, parks, beaches and cultural attractions. Gatherings of more than 5,000 people will remain prohibited until at least September. Campsites, holiday villages and other collective accommodation will also be able to reopen; on the 2nd June in the ‘green’ zones with special rules for welcoming guests, and on 22nd June for the ‘orange’ zones. For hotels, new health regulations will also come into force providing reassuring conditions for guests during their stay.
The Prime Minister also announced that the Government was in favour of reopening the internal borders of the European Union – including the Schengen area and the United Kingdom – as of the 15th June, health dependent, without the obligation of a two-week quarantine for travellers coming from European countries. France will apply the principle of reciprocity for those member states that keep their borders closed for travellers coming from French territories or impose quarantine on them. The borders outside the European Union will remain closed at least until that date. A decision will be made at a European level mid-June.
As of the 2nd June, the ban on travelling to a destination distant of more than 100km from one’s place of residence will be lifted. It will then once again be possible to travel throughout the country, including overseas, without a certificate. Travel between metropolitan France and the French overseas territories will continue to be subject to a form of fortnightly travel. Air travel will be opened more widely for the summer period.
Health measures will be maintained to limit the spread of the virus and avoid a second wave of contamination, these include:
- Wash your hands regularly or use a hydro-alcoholic solution
- Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow or a handkerchief
- Blow your nose into a disposable handkerchief and then dispose of it
- Avoid touching your face
- Maintain a distance of at least one metre from other people
- Greet other people without shaking hands or embracing
Further measures are due to be announced by the Prime Minister on the 21st June.
IMAGES: https://www.dropbox.com/s/askhhonjqhhlwpi/map.png?dl=0
For more information on France please contact niamh@travelmedia.ie or visit www.france.fr.