The reconfinement is due to end on December 1, but many are the questions the French are asking themselves this Thursday before the press conference by Prime Minister Jean Castex which is held at 6 p.m., fifteen days after the announcement of the second confinement by Emmanuel Macron .
Live: LIVE - Covid-19: "Now is definitely not the time to loosen the clamp," says Castex
During this press conference, the tenant of Matignon should be surrounded, according to our information, by the Minister of Health Olivier Véran, the Minister of the Economy Bruno Le Maire, the Minister of National Education Jean-Michel Blanquer as well as the Minister of Labor Élisabeth Borne.
Some points, still unresolved, were to be decided during the day at the end of the Defense Council which is currently held at the Elysee.
Strengthening controls to better enforce confinement
Hold on until the end.
This will be the message of the executive tonight to the French.
Particularly to those who do not fully respect confinement.
According to an Ifop poll for Consolab, more than half of French people have violated the containment rules put in place on October 30.
No relaxation of health measures should be announced this evening.
At the beginning of the week, the Minister of the Interior, Gerald Darmanin, in a letter addressed to the prefects, demanded a strengthening of controls by the police.
In addition to the announcement of enhanced surveillance and control in large cities, the time will also be taking stock of the first fifteen days of the second confinement.
The Minister of Health will unveil the latest figures, rather encouraging, of the second wave of the Covid-19 epidemic in France.
The executive will also take stock of the situation of teleworking practiced by companies and the latest data on transport.
The closure of middle and high schools finally ruled out
The tightening of the health protocol in schools is part of the “
palette
” of the executive to adjust the confinement.
At the start of the week, the Prime Minister was reluctant to announce new constraints.
As revealed by
Le Figaro
, the closure of high schools as well as certain levels of college (fourth and third) was under consideration.
However, the government is absolutely determined to stick to its line on opening schools.
Jean Castex repeated before the National Assembly on Tuesday that the confinement of students had extremely negative consequences for education.
Thursday evening, the Minister of National Education Jean-Michel Blanquer is expected to speak on the device in schools, the target of criticism from teachers and some students.
The day before the defense council, the adoption of new restrictive rules seemed however ruled out.
Read also: Reconfinement: Olivier Véran displays his optimism
Non-essential businesses should remain closed
For two weeks, businesses that do not sell products deemed essential for the pursuit of economic activity, necessary for transport, teleworking or even food for the French, have been forced to close.
In Bercy, Bruno Le Maire had been pleading for a few days in favor of the imminent reopening of these businesses with a reinforced health protocol.
Several proposals have been formulated by the Trade Federations, such as a reinforced gauge (it is now 4 square meters per customer), making appointments in shops, outdoor sales counters or even extended opening hours.
However, no such announcement should be made tonight.
"
Non-essential
" businesses should remain closed until further notice to "
curb the spread of the virus
", according to our information.
And this despite the pressing demands of traders, anxious and soon overwhelmed by their stock with the approach of the end of year holidays and the closing of accounts on December 31.
At the end of October, Emmanuel Macron had indicated "
hope to reopen certain businesses
" as early as this week.
If Bruno Le Maire certified this morning on BFM Business that no decision had yet been taken, the arbitration should ultimately be done well on the health side.
It should also not yet have clear visibility on the day of their reopening.
An update on financial aid for closed businesses
Finally, Bruno Le Maire should also take stock of the public aid available to traders and artisans.
One of the most delicate issues yet to be resolved for Bercy concerns loyal business owners.
To support small businesses, Bruno Le Maire wishes to sharpen the tax system put in place to encourage donors to reduce their charges.
Homeowners currently benefit from a tax credit if they agree to waive a month's rent over the period of October, November and December.
This tax advantage, which represents 30% of the amount of the monthly rent, could be increased to 50%.
To read also: Small businesses: The Mayor wants to make an additional gesture on the rents
Bruno Le Maire was also to support, in the Defense Council, the introduction of new aid to tackle the problem of stocks in local shops hit by the closure.
