In many municipalities, such as Saint-Lô, in the Manche, cemeteries are starting to reopen, closed at the start of confinement. A relief for the loved ones of the deceased, who must now make an appointment to be able to meditate for thirty minutes. 

REPORTAGE

Since mid-March, the doors of the cemeteries have remained closed. The only exceptions: funerals which a maximum of twenty people can attend. While France is preparing for the deconfinement planned for May 11, the town halls are gradually starting to reopen the cemeteries to the public. With special precautions, at least until this date.

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This is the case in Saint-Lô, in the Manche. Since Monday, as for a visit to the doctor, it is necessary to make an appointment and not to linger on the spot. This is what Nadège did to be able to meditate in front of the family vault for half an hour, maximum. At the gate, Bruno Lecanu, mask on the face, ensures compliance with the instructions. Usually, this municipal agent works in the event service of the town hall. He became a guardian of the cemetery, provided with a list of names inscribed in boxes. "I have a schedule with the names of the people. It's every quarter of an hour. I explain to them that they are entitled to thirty minutes," he explains. 

"80 calls per day"

For François Brière, the mayor of Saint-Lô, the reopening of the cemetery was particularly awaited by his citizens. "Today we receive 80 calls a day. We have people who come every day to the grave of a loved one. So it was a real deprivation for them ..."

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Deprivation is what Jeannine felt, who, at 84, stopped daily in front of the grave of her late husband for six years now. It is therefore with relief that she was able to come back with lilacs, carnations, and even, on May 1, a few sprigs of lily of the valley to bloom the burial. "It's been a long time since I prepared it. It makes me feel good," she says.

All cemeteries in France should reopen their doors on May 11, as announced by Edouard Philippe last Tuesday. The Prime Minister however specified that the funeral ceremonies will remain limited to 20 people.