Coronavirus in France: long-distance transport progressively reduced

The new Minister for the Ecological Transition Élisabeth Borne, (Here, May 23, 2018, at the Élysée Palace when she was Minister of Transport). REUTERS / Charles Platiau

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In France, long-distance transport by train, coach or plane will be gradually reduced in the coming days in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus and will have to be limited to what is strictly necessary, announced the Minister for Ecological Transition Elisabeth Borne on March 15.

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France has decided to drastically reduce long-distance transport in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus, with rail traffic soon to be halved and only a few international flights.

The goal is to " limit long-distance travel to the bare minimum, to slow the spread of the virus, even if everyone can return to their home and there will be no sudden stop ," said Minister for the Ecological Transition Elisabeth Borne at a press conference on March 15.

LIVE • #COVID ー 19 | Statement by @ Elisabeth_Borne and @Djebbari_JB on the situation in transport. https://t.co/748Cqd7udZ

Ministry of Ecology (@Ecologie_Gouv) March 15, 2020

For air transport, only a few flights to the United States, Africa, some domestic flights, and to overseas will be provided, said Secretary of State for Transport Jean-Baptiste Djebbari. The airports will remain open but some terminals will close: Orly 2 on March 18, and two Roissy terminals, including 2G, this weekend.

At SNCF, long-distance traffic will gradually be reduced to one train in two and that of TER to two trains in three. On the other hand, local public transport will be maintained with 80% of metros in circulation and normal traffic for buses and trams, seven out of 10 trains at SNCF, as will taxi and VTC transport and commercial activities linked to the transportation sector. transport, said the Secretary of State.

" Everyone must give up non-essential trips, pleasure trips, and limit themselves to those related to health, food and work, when teleworking is impossible, " said Elisabeth Borne.

(with AFP)

► Also read: Coronavirus: France is now in stage 3 of the epidemic

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  • France
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