Travel, leisure, shops… Since May 11, the restrictions that came into force in France with confinement are gradually being lifted. “Why Doctor” takes stock of what we have the right to do now and in the weeks to come.
- The gradual deconfinement began on May 11
- Several prohibitions remain such as gatherings in public places or traveling more than 100 km
- The gradual deconfinement should last until the beginning of July
The lifting of containment on May 11 is not synonymous with a return to normal. In order to avoid a second wave, restrictions are still in force in France, and, whatever the authorizations gradually granted, they are subject to compliance with barrier gestures. Thus, if primary and nursery schools have reopened, only a maximum of 15 students are allowed in class. Nurseries, for their part, only accept 10 children at most.
May 11 also marks the introduction of more public transport than during confinement. However, it is now compulsory to wear a mask there, under penalty of a fine of 135 euros. A sum that can be combined with another fine of 135 euros, applicable only in Île-de-France during peak hours, on weekdays: only people with justification are authorized to use public transport between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. time. Likewise, the continuation of telework remains strongly encouraged.
Public gatherings allowed but limited to 10 people
If the derogatory travel certificate is now a thing of the past, it is still not possible to go more than 100 kilometers from your home. The only exceptions: compelling reasons, such as professional obligations or helping a vulnerable person. Again, in the event of non-compliance, the fine incurred is 135 euros. Similarly, since May 11, public gatherings are again authorized, but within the limit of 10 participants.
Also to respect social distancing, it is still forbidden to practice team, contact, or indoor sports – like fitness rooms. If small museums and libraries have been able to reopen their doors, large establishments remain closed, such as the Louvre. When you live in a department classified in green in the deconfinement map, it is also possible to go to parks and gardens. Finally, 20 people can now attend the funeral ceremonies, even if the cemeteries have been accessible to everyone since May 11.
Gradual reopening of colleges since May 18
The lifting of containment marks the reopening of all businesses, except bars, restaurants and cafes. For shopping centers over 40,000 m2 as well as the markets, it is up to the prefect to give the final agreement. More recently, May 18 marks the gradual reopening of colleges, at least for 6th graders.th and 5th.
However, several uncertainties persist. If the reopening of places of worship had initially been set for June 2, on May 18, the Council of State ordered the government to lift the “general and absolute” ban on assembly “within eight days”. It will also be necessary to wait until the beginning of next month, at least, for nursing homes to authorize visits again. However, since the confinement, several establishments had put in place systems to allow their residents to see their loved ones.
Cultural places, restaurants… Uncertainties persist
If conditions allow, June 2 could also mark the reopening of high schools, restaurants, cafes, bars, major museums, cinemas, theaters, multipurpose halls and other cultural venues. We will also have to wait until the beginning of next month to find out if the reopening of sports halls and the resumption of team and contact sports can take place in the coming weeks.
On the other hand, if the beaches should have remained prohibited until June 2, the government authorized the prefects to make the decision by then, at the request of the mayors. Sporting events as well as cultural events bringing together more than 5,000 people should not be able to resume before September. Finally, for the time being, the date of the start of the summer holidays and that of the start of the school year remain unchanged.
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