Closed schools, economic measures ... Emmanuel Macron made Thursday evening a series of announcements to slow down the advance of the coronavirus in France. Europe 1 summarizes the decisions taken by the Head of State.
Closed schools
"From Monday and until further notice, nurseries, schools, colleges, high schools, universities will be closed," announced the President of the Republic. A measure which concerns approximately 12 million pupils, 2.7 million students, without forgetting 800,000 teachers. "A daycare service will be set up region by region" so that the personnel "essential to the management of the health crisis" can "have their children looked after and continue to go to work," he added.
The first municipal round maintained
The first round of municipal elections, which takes place this Sunday, March 15, "will be held," Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday. "It is important at this time, following the advice of scientists as we have just done, to ensure the continuity of our democratic life and our institutions". "I also asked the Prime Minister, he did this morning, to consult widely with all the political families and they expressed the same will," he continued.
"It will be necessary to ensure strict compliance with barrier gestures against the virus and health recommendations" on polling days, ensuring that "trust mayors and good citizenship". "I also know that town halls and state services have organized things well." However, as of this Friday, "reinforced instructions will be given so that our elders do not wait long, that queues do not form, that distances are also kept and that these famous barrier measures are well respected".
Vigilance for the over 70s, limit travel "to the strict minimum"
Urging the French to "unite", and considering that the "absolute priority for our Nation will be our health", Emmanuel Macron asked "to all people over the age of 70, people with chronic or respiratory diseases and handicap to stay at home as much as possible ". More generally, the president called on all French people to "limit their trips to what is strictly necessary".
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A partial unemployment mechanism implemented
On the economic front, the head of state announced "exceptional and massive" measures to "protect employees and businesses" in the face of the coronavirus epidemic. "From the coming days, an exceptional and massive mechanism of partial unemployment will be implemented", which will go "much further" than the announcements already made by the government to "preserve jobs and skills". Among these measures, the president also announced a postponement of contributions and taxes due in March by companies.
"We will not add to the health crisis the fear of bankruptcy for entrepreneurs and the anxiety of unemployment for employees," added the president, who also asked businesses that can to "allow their employees to work remotely, as soon as possible. " In addition, "The State will pay compensation to employees forced to stay at home. (...) I want us to be able to protect our self-employed as well, and therefore we will take all the measures necessary to give this guarantee on the economic plan, "insisted the head of state.
The end of the winter break postponed for two months
Traditionally set for March 31, the end of the winter break is postponed for two months. A measure intended to "save time" against the epidemic.