A historic measure, in the face of an epidemic which continues to spread.
46 million French people will be affected, as of this Saturday evening, by the curfew.
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The inhabitants of 38 new departments and of Polynesia, as well as those of which eight metropolises concerned since last week (that is to say 54 departments in all), will be forced within a few hours to comply with this new health measure, intended to stem a coronavirus living a certain revival.
Here is, for the new concerned, what to know about this device decreed as part of the state of emergency, and which took effect since Friday at midnight.
What is a curfew?
This measure takes effect every day from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. and aims to prevent gatherings, sources, according to the authorities, of the spread of the virus.
Thus, only authorized travel, particularly professional or emergency, can be carried out during these ten hours of curfew, the rest of the population having the obligation to stay at home.
"We will no longer go to restaurants, to friends' houses, to party [...] after 9 pm", summed up the Head of State during his speech on October 14.
Bars are closing their doors completely
For four weeks at least, (six, if the parliament authorizes it), the drinking establishments of the departments concerned must, since this Saturday, close their doors completely and not only after 9 pm.
All establishments that do not offer catering are concerned.
To help the latter, the executive decided to extend until December the coverage of partial unemployment at 100% in the hotel-catering sector, as well as aid of up to 10,000 euros in in the event of a drop of more than 50% in their turnover, for establishments with up to 50 employees.
Restaurants closed at 9 p.m.
Establishments offering catering are authorized to open their doors, but, like all supermarkets, must have been emptied of their customers by 9 p.m. every evening.
Some are also trying, to at least partially save their business, to offer their customers to dine earlier.
Restaurants also remain authorized to deliver home meals, even after 9 p.m.
The latter must also calculate the transport time to their home, in order to be back home at the time when this night confinement begins.
All these restaurants must also respect a strict sanitary protocol (one meter between each chair, no service at the counter, table of six people maximum, wearing a mask except during consumption, etc.) which may be subject to controls.
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Catering employees are authorized to return home a little later, the time to tidy up and clean the premises, but must have their employer complete a derogatory certificate, to be presented in the event of an inspection.
No more shows or movies after 9 p.m.
Despite requests from the world of culture, which demanded exemptions for shows and cinemas, this curfew also applies to them.
No more show or film, played or broadcast after 9 p.m. since this Saturday in the 54 departments concerned.
As for restaurants, these rooms must have been emptied of their customers at the time of this night confinement, but the employees who work there may have a dispensation.
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In the Paris region, many cinemas have decided to advance their screenings, as have theaters, especially at weekends, in order to continue to receive audiences, while respecting the curfew.
Here too, a strict health protocol, already in place before this new measure, applies: wearing a mask compulsory and rule of one seat in two for spectators.
No party with relatives
No more dinners with friends or family for at least four weeks after 9 p.m., since all night travel is now prohibited.
Some found the parade by eating particularly early, others by staying to sleep (or party) on the spot, in order not to leave until after 6 a.m.
President Emmanuel Macron has also advised against meetings with more than six people "at the table or in the street", recommending to "put on the mask as much as possible, including with family or friends", in order to protect the most vulnerable to the virus.
What exceptions to this curfew?
People forced to go to work in the evening, or those who can prove pressing needs or emergencies (family, health-related ...), will be able to go out but will have to justify this trip with a derogatory certificate downloadable here (there is one specific for workers, to be completed by their employer).
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In total, eight reasons for travel are listed on the certificate offered by the government (which can be downloaded directly on a smartphone, or completed on plain paper).
Reasons for authorized travel
Travel between home and the place of exercise of the professional activity or the place of education and training.
Travel for consultations and care cannot be provided remotely and cannot be postponed or for the purchase of health products.
Travel for compelling family reasons, for assistance to vulnerable or precarious people or for childcare.
Travel for people with disabilities and their companions.
Travel to respond to a judicial or administrative summons.
Travel to participate in missions of general interest at the request of the administrative authority.
Travel related to transits for long distance trips.
Short trips, within a maximum radius of one kilometer around the home for the needs of pets.
Those affected will still be able to use public transport to get around between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m.
"There will be no transport restrictions, it is important because there must be travel," warned Emmanuel Macron, according to whom there "will not be a ban on traffic between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. morning, but a strict limitation ”.
What you risk in case of non-compliance
Controls will be carried out, warned the president on October 14 with “fines as there are already, of 135 euros”.
And remember that "in the event of a repeat offense, it is 1500 euros".
In the event of a double recidivism, that is to say of three offenses, the penalty incurred increases to six months in prison and a fine of 3,750 euros.
The Minister of the Interior announced that 12,000 police and gendarmes will be mobilized each night to carry out checks, in addition to the usual staff.