After President Macron's public address earlier this month about lifting France's national lockdown on May 11, 2020, the country's Prime Minister, Edouard Philippe, recently detailed how they'll go about opening the country. Starting early May, the country will slowly resume normal life, all while still conforming to certain rules just to be safe.
In initiating the lifting of the national lockdown starting May 11, Philippe mentioned that the government will start to become more lenient with the citizens. For one thing, people who will go outside will no longer need a permission slip to do so. They are also allowed to travel freely as long as they are at least 100km from their home. People will only be allowed to go on long-distance trips for essential reasons only. Shops will also reopen starting early May, making it easier for citizens to stock up on supplies. But bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and movie theatres will remain closed until further notice.
As for school, educational institutions will also start reopening by May 11, 2020. However, each classroom will only be allowed to welcome up to 15 students per session. And everyone is still required to wear a face mask for the time being. Simultaneously, crèches will also be allowed to operate again, provided that there only be 10 children in each group. Although they will only likely cater to children of essential workers as people who are currently working from home are still encouraged to do so. In that respect, offices are yet to be given permission to reopen, even after May 11.
Despite this detailed plan, however, Philippe confessed that the government isn't 100% confident that the curve has or will further flatten as the country resumes normal life. Although they will hold about 700,000 tests weekly, there's still the possibility of a resurging in cases. “If, as we approach May 11th, the number of daily new cases is not what we predicted, we will pay the consequences (.. and) we won’t begin to end the lockdown," shared the Prime Minister. “We all want to avoid having to, after confining and the unwinding the lockdown, having to re-confine."
As a result, the government will continue to uphold certain rules even after May 11. For instance, those who are tested positive of COVID-19 are required to self-isolate for 14 days, whether at home or in special accommodation. Mass gatherings are also still prohibited. Religious celebrations, football matches, and theatre shows will not yet resume. The earliest of which might be June 2020. Consequently, only up to 10 people will be allowed to commune in one area at a certain time. Although this may change according to one's department. Philippe also mentioned that it's up to local governments to decide how to implement these rules in their own areas.
In-line with this announcement, we here at Welcome2France have tailored our policies in order to conform to the new regulations set forth by the French government. As well as to help stop the spread of the virus. For every reservation booked with us, we give a 24-hour leeway in-between rentals to ensure that our accommodations will be clean and tidy for the forthcoming visitors. Our team has also partnered with a professional laundry service to ensure that the linens and towels will remain germ-free for the next guests. And we can now provide facemasks upon request too. In terms of communication, we now offer a variety of options for contactless check-in. Guests can now directly inform us of their issues without having to meet face-to-face.
As for our cancellation policy, we now offer more flexibility for the benefit of our guests. It is now easier for you to cancel your reservation with us without any issues or additional hassle.
While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect many countries, France remains confident that they can beat the virus and reopen their country as early as next month. With the detailed plan shared by the French Prime Minister, the government seeks to slowly but safely resume normal life in France.
