"We will need to learn to live with the virus": Prime Minister announces measures to end lockdown in France.

Daniella Franco, RFI - French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe presented on Tuesday (28) France's strategy for ending the population's confinement from May 11. The proposals were approved by deputies after the Prime Minister's speech in the National Assembly. He stressed that, in the absence of a vaccine or effective treatments against the coronavirus, everyone will have to learn to live with the disease.

In a speech lasting over an hour, Edouard Philippe detailed the first stage of the end of lockdown, from May 11 to June 2. The country has been under quarantine measures since March 16, which, according to the Prime Minister, "have prevented the deaths of approximately 62 people in France."

According to the Prime Minister, ending the lockdown is necessary, even if it is "risky." Due to the possibility of severe damage to the country's economy, the measure must be lifted "progressively and prudently."

However, Philippe stressed that, in the absence of vaccines or an effective treatment against Covid-19, "the virus will continue to circulate." "It is necessary to learn how to protect oneself," he stated, noting that life will resume "week by week, progressively."

After five hours of debate, and unsurprisingly, the La République en Marche party, which holds a majority in the Assembly, approved Philippe's plan with 368 votes. One hundred deputies voted against and 103 abstained.

Protect, test, and isolate.

Philippe announced that starting May 11th, France will begin the first stage of ending the lockdown, focusing on three objectives: "protect, test, and isolate." Throughout the process, "barrier" measures against the virus – such as frequent handwashing, social distancing, and the use of masks – will continue to be applied. According to the Prime Minister, the end of the lockdown will be based on the spread of the disease in each region, with the strategy being adapted according to the increase or decrease in contagion.

One of the key steps during this period will be the use of masks. Therefore, the Prime Minister invited companies to equip their employees with this accessory. He also guaranteed that, starting April 30th, an online platform will be launched for the purchase and delivery of masks. Pharmacies are already authorized to sell the product, and the population has also been encouraged to make them at home for personal use.

The Prime Minister defended the strategy adopted so far by France against the new coronavirus and promised to carry out 700 tests per week, starting on May 11. According to him, every time someone receives a positive diagnosis, all the people with whom the infected person had contact will also be quarantined and tested. "The goal is to isolate as quickly as possible to interrupt the chain of transmission," he stated.

A smartphone app being developed for tracking patients, called Stop Covid, was also mentioned by the Prime Minister as a possible "complement to the strategies." The issue is highly controversial in the country, as many fear the government will have access to citizens' personal data. Therefore, Philippe believes the matter should be debated and voted on by the National Assembly when the app is ready for use.

What will the first phase be like?

"Everything will be done progressively," the Prime Minister assured. The first phase of lifting the lockdown will take place by June 2nd. It has not yet been defined which regions should begin the process; further details are expected to be announced on May 7th.

However, Philippe confirmed that classes will resume from May 11th, based on the evolution of the contagion in each region. Children attending the three kindergarten classes in preschools will be the first to be welcomed back to schools. Primary school will partially return to classes on May 18th, and secondary school may resume activities at the beginning of June – a situation that will be reviewed at the end of May.

The process will follow some rules, such as groups of a maximum of 15 students per class. Daycare centers, however, may receive groups of up to ten (10) children. All education professionals will have to wear masks, as will students from elementary school onwards. During this period, distance learning will continue.

The government also advises companies to continue adopting "work from home" for employees who are able to, at least for the next three weeks. "The return to work must guarantee the health of employees," the prime minister stressed.

Philippe stated that businesses will reopen on May 11th, except for restaurants and cafes, whose situation will be reviewed in a month. Other establishments will reopen with limitations on the number of people allowed inside. Shopping malls larger than 40 square meters may remain closed, depending on the decisions of mayors.

Public transport services will be expanded starting May 11th. The Prime Minister appealed to citizens to prioritize workers during peak hours. He also asked taxi drivers to wear masks inside their vehicles.

Train travel between French regions should only be undertaken for reasons of extreme necessity. Rail services will remain reduced from May 11th to discourage travel.

Social life will resume "gradually".

The minister also revealed other details about the resumption of social life in France. According to him, from May 11th it will be possible to go out without the mandatory authorization instituted at the beginning of the quarantine, within a maximum perimeter of 100 kilometers from home. Parks and gardens will be reopened where the virus is not actively circulating. French beaches, however, will remain closed at least until June 1st.

Only small museums and libraries will be allowed to reopen from May 11th. Large museums, cinemas, theaters, and concert halls will remain closed. Cultural and sporting events and festivals with more than five thousand people should not be held until September. The 2019-2020 championship seasons are suspended. The French Football Championship and the second division tournament, for example, will not be able to resume games until September.

Places of worship will not be allowed to hold ceremonies until at least the beginning of June, unlike cemeteries, which will reopen on May 11 for burials with a reduced number of people. According to the Prime Minister, all events where the virus can be transmitted, such as weddings, should be postponed. Private gatherings may be held, but respecting the limit of ten participants.