Finally go out to eat again - or meet for a glass of wine on one of the famous Parisian terraces. It was a long way off in the minds of the people of France - and is now surprisingly close. And summer vacation is no longer an absurd dream.
Paris (dpa) - France has decided on far-reaching corona easing measures - including the opening of restaurants and cafés across the country.
There is also good news for holidaymakers: tourist accommodations such as holiday homes or campsites can reopen almost all over the country from June 2nd. "We are where we wanted to be at the end of May. We're even a little better than we hoped," said Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, referring to the fight against the virus on Thursday. The French government is also continuing to abolish controls at the border with Germany.
Prime Minister Philippe ushered in the second phase of easing with his presentation. France is particularly hard hit by the Covid 19 pandemic, with more than 28,000 deaths. French President Emmanuel Macron said in March that they were at war with the virus. People in the country have been waiting eagerly for the government's announcements.
In large parts of the country, restaurants and bars will be able to welcome guests again from June 2 for the first time since mid-March. There are only restrictions in the more severely affected areas, such as Paris. There you can only eat and drink on the terraces. The restaurants across the country were closed on March 15. Even before the premier was announced, the Parisian restaurateurs were dusting their chairs and tables outdoors.
In large parts of the country, campsites or holiday homes can again accommodate travelers from June 2. However, there should be no exceptions, for example for German holidaymakers, before the planned abolition of border controls on June 15. The head of government emphasized that there would then be no 14-day quarantine for travelers. However, France would insist on reciprocity if some countries quarantined the French.
Also at the beginning of next week, the restrictions on movement within France will also cease to apply. From June 2, journeys more than 100 kilometers from home should no longer be possible only with good reason. This measure had proven to be very useful to curb the spread of the virus, but was no longer justified, Philippe said.
Leisure activities should also be increasingly possible again. As of June 2, theaters should open almost all over the country and all beaches should be accessible again. Large museums and monuments can also welcome visitors again. Cinemas follow a little later. Minister of Education Jean-Michel Blanquer announced that he would accelerate the reopening of schools.
Paris has since been relieved because the parks and gardens can open again. In the narrow capital, people have so far crowded the few public places that invite you to linger - for example on the canals or on the banks of the Seine. "Common sense has finally prevailed," Mayor Anne Hidalgo welcomed the decision.
Prime Minister, however, warned that vigilance was still required. It is therefore still the case that no more than ten people may meet in public spaces. The first phase of easing began on May 11 after more than two months of stringent exit restrictions. It is also characterized by strict rules and prohibitions.