" We are there ," said Prime Minister Édouard Philippe at a press conference on Thursday to clarify the measures for deconfinement. On May 11, strict confinement, decreed by the government on March 17, will end everywhere in France. With the exception of Mayotte, where the death toll continues to rise.
Read also: Coronavirus: what to remember from the latest announcements from Edouard Philippe before the deconfinement of May 11
This long-awaited date does not mark a return to life before. If we can get out of the house more easily, many of the prohibitions will remain in place. Le Figaro takes stock.
- Will we be able to move freely?
Yes, but. Travel will be authorized within a limit of 100 kilometers, provided that you have a " simple proof of address "; beyond, a certificate will be required.
The limit of 100 kilometers will be calculated as the crow flies, it will not apply for traffic within the same department. Only travel for " compelling reasons, family or professional ", can exceed this limit, however, said Edouard Philippe. Mourning, visiting a fragile person, exercising a profession that requires such travel, for example, are valid reasons. In addition, return to their main home has already been authorized, in order to allow everyone to resume their work or school from May 11.
- Will public transportation resume their usual activity?
Not . The offer will be reduced to 50% of its traffic, and to 70% in Île-de-France. During peak hours, to limit overcrowding, Île-de-France will reserve access only to people with proof of their employer, a summons from the courts or accompanying their children to school.
TGV and Intercités offers will be limited to 30% of normal traffic. These trains will be accessible only by reservation and subject to having a supporting document to allow a filling rate not exceeding 50% of their capacity.
In all these public transport, the mask will now be compulsory, and its absence will be punishable by a fine of 135 euros.
- Will rallies be allowed?
Yes, but. Small gatherings will now be allowed for up to ten people. Christophe Castaner however specified that this measure would not exempt from respecting the barrier gestures. It will therefore be possible to organize a dinner with friends, provided they are sufficiently spaced at the table.
Concerts, festivals or events are therefore still impossible. The government has not given a timetable detailing the evolution of these authorizations. The only indication provided concerns the events of more than 5,000 people who " cannot be held before September ", in the words of the Minister of the Interior.
- Will we be able to go to the beaches?
No but. Beaches, lakes and nautical bases will remain prohibited, but may exceptionally be authorized access by the prefects at the request of the mayors of the municipalities concerned. They will have to justify sufficient devices and facilities to guarantee the safety of all.
- Will the forests be open to walking?
Yes. Access to the forests will again be authorized in all the departments of France, whether they are classified as "green" or "red". However, the restrictions will be the same as elsewhere: walks or sports activities in groups of more than ten people will be prohibited.
- Will we be able to walk in parks and public gardens?
It depends. The situation will not be the same depending on the departments. In the "green" departments, parks and public gardens may reopen, but the parks in the "red" departments will have to wait.
- Will we be able to attend religious ceremonies again?
Not . The government has already warned that religious ceremonies cannot resume before June 2. " I think that prayer does not necessarily need a gathering place, where we would run a risk for all of its religious community, " said Interior Minister Christophe Castaner on May 3, prompting the indignation of many representatives of religions in France. The places of worship may, however, remain open as was the case since March 17, in order to leave the possibility for everyone to meditate or pray.
- Will the elderly or frail always be confined?
No. Deconfinement concerns all French people. Only, the Prime Minister and the Minister of Health, Olivier Véran, called the frail to responsibility for " protecting themselves and protecting others ". The ministers invited these people to continue voluntarily to " observe the strict rules of prudence which resemble those of the last two months ".
Regarding residents of Ehpad, the situation remains the same " at least for the next three weeks ," said the Prime Minister. Visits remain authorized "subject to the strict application of [a] protocol ", published on April 20. Visits are limited to a secure circuit, one family at a time, and a physical distance of 1.50 meters from residents must be respected.
