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A strict 15-day lockdown requiring people in France to remain at home came into effect at midday Tuesday, prohibiting all but essential outings in a bid to curb the coronavirus spread. Heres a quick guide on how to navigate the lockdown.
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"We are at war, a public health war,” President Emmanuel Macron said in a sombre address on Monday, declaring a nationwide lockdown to fight a virus that has already killed 148 people in France and infected more than 6,000.
His government has said tens of thousands of police will be patrolling streets and issuing fines for people without a written declaration justifying their reasons for being out.
FRANCE 24 takes a closer look at the governments measures and the exceptions to the confinement rules.
Non-essential movements banned
“The message is clear: stay at home,” Interior Minister Christophe Castaner declared on Monday as he detailed the restrictions included in the 15-day lockdown. There are five exceptions to that injunction:
- Travelling to work is permitted so long as the work is essential, cannot be postponed, and cannot be done from home
- Shopping for groceries and other essential items is allowed; there is no need for panic-buying as supermarkets and bakers can remain open throughout the lockdown
- Exceptions are also made for “imperative family reasons”, such as looking after children and the elderly. In practice, parents with shared custody can travel between each others homes; shopping for an elderly relative is also allowed (as long as people keep to a safe distance when visiting vulnerable relatives)
- Brief outings to get some exercise or take pets for a walk are allowed, albeit “with parsimony”; Castaner stressed that all group activities, such as playing a football match, are strictly banned
Just back from a quick run (thats allowed with an attestation or permission slip). So quiet. Was out for about 40 mins and passed 3 on foot police patrols and several police vans (theyre taking it seriously). #COVID19 #coronavirus
— Stuart Norval (@StuartNorval) March 17, 2020
Just back from a quick run (thats allowed with an attestation or permission slip). So quiet. Was out for about 40 mins and passed 3 on foot police patrols and several police vans (theyre taking it seriously). - All health-related appointments are permitted, including trips to the pharmacy. For all information on the coronavirus outbreak, dial 08 00 130 000, free of charge.
Travel pass
All people leaving their homes must carry a signed form, or attestation, explaining where they are headed and why. A different form is needed for each outing. Failure to produce one will result in a fine.
The form can be downloaded here. In the absence of Read More – Source
