[ad_1]
This image shows the Eiffel Tower in Paris on April 17, 2020 on the 32nd day of a confinement in France intended to curb the spread of COVID-19 infection caused by the new coronavirus. (Photo by JOEL SAGET / AFP)
PARIS – The French government said on Saturday it will extend a health emergency imposed to combat the new coronavirus in two months, allowing it to maintain strict anti-virus measures even after a partial lifting of the country’s blockade.
As part of the planned measures, anyone entering France, foreign or French, will have to remain confined for two weeks, Health Minister Olivier Veran said at a press conference.
This would normally refer to “the French who traveled abroad and who want to go home,” he said.
He did not say if there would be any distinction between travelers depending on the country of origin.
Anyone arriving from abroad and infected with the virus would be required by law to be quarantined, he said. Those who develop symptoms while isolated would also need to be quarantined.
Details of the measures are expected in the coming days.
“Learn to live with the virus”
However, infected people already in France will not be forced to accept isolation and treatment, as “we trust the French sense of responsibility,” Veran said.
Once approved by lawmakers, the emergency period will last until July 24, Veran said.
The government has announced the gradual lifting of some closure measures starting May 11, including the reopening of primary schools.
However, Veran said that lifting the health emergency, which started on March 24, at the same time would be premature and carry the risk of a resurgence of the outbreak.
“We are going to have to run a long distance race,” Veran said, adding that he was aware that the French people had already been asked for “colossal efforts” in the fight against the virus.
“We are going to have to live with the virus for a while,” Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said after a cabinet meeting decided on the extension.
“Learning to live with the virus, that is what is at stake in the coming months.”
The new proposals also cover an “information system” for those who have the virus and their environment that would operate for up to a year.
The bill will be presented to the Senate on Monday and the National Assembly likely the day after, government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye said. It is expected to become law by weekends.
On May 11, people in France will be able to leave their homes without the current obligation to carry a written justification for the movements.
They will have to wear protective masks when using public transport.
Many stores will also reopen and remote staff will be able to return to offices as France struggles with the economic impact of the coronavirus that has already pushed the country into recession.
In the latest example of the financial costs involved, the president of national rail operator SNCF said on Saturday that his company had already lost two billion euros ($ 2.2 billion) during the crisis, and that it would likely request state aid and cut the personal.
Meanwhile, the number of daily deaths in France from the coronavirus fell to 166, the health ministry said Saturday, the lowest number in more than five weeks.
This brings the total number of deaths reported by COVID-19 in France from March 1 to 24,760, the fourth highest in Europe.
For more news on the new coronavirus, click here.
What you need to know about the coronavirus.
For more information on COVID-19, call the DOH hotline: (02) 86517800 local 1149/1150.
Read below
EDITOR’S SELECTION
MOST READ
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to gain access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer and over 70 other titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download from 4 a.m. and share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
For comments, complaints or inquiries, contact us.
[ad_2]
