Paris (AFP)

The major stages of the Covid-19 epidemic in France: from the first cases at the end of January to the announcement on Friday of an extension of confinement until April 15.

- First cases -

On January 24, two first cases of patients, originating in China, affected by the coronavirus, in Paris and Bordeaux. These two people, who return from China, are the first officially reported cases in Europe. A third case was announced on the 25th. A fourth patient, an elderly Chinese tourist, was announced on the 28th and placed in intensive care.

- Repatriations -

Air France suspends its flights to China. A first plane bringing back 200 French people from Wuhan, the epicenter of the epidemic, landed at the end of January in Istres (Bouches-du-Rhône). They are placed in quarantine for 14 days in a holiday center.

On February 2, a second plane with 254 people, including 64 French, landed in Istres. On the 9th, around 30 new returnees arrived. On the 21st, around thirty French people are also repatriated and placed in quarantine in Calvados.

- First death -

The 80-year-old Chinese tourist hospitalized in Paris died from the Covid-19 on February 15, the first death outside Asia.

- Precautionary measures -

On the 24th, the government asked those returning from the most affected Italian regions, Lombardy and Veneto, to avoid "any essential outing", to keep the children at home. Travel to these regions is not recommended.

- Stage 2 -

On February 28, transition to "stage 2" of the epidemic. The next day, France passed the 100 case mark. Ban on gatherings exceeding 5,000 people in confined spaces.

- Cancellations and requisitions -

The Agricultural Show is cut short, the Book Fair canceled, matches postponed. On March 4, the government requisitioned the stocks of protective masks. The prices of hydroalcoholic disinfectant gels are capped.

- Meetings prohibited -

On the 5th, a deputy from the Haut-Rhin was hit. Several other deputies were then tested positive.

On the 8th, the milestone of 1,000 cases is crossed. The government bans gatherings of more than 1,000 people.

The sports world stops or goes in camera.

The schools of Oise and Haut-Rhin, the most affected departments, are closed for two weeks.

- "Severe" economic impact -

The impact of the epidemic on growth will be "severe", warns the Minister of Economy Bruno Le Maire. Culture Minister Franck Riester tested positive on March 9.

- Schools closed -

On the 12th, Emmanuel Macron announces the closure of crèches, educational establishments and universities from March 16. The French are invited to limit their trips to what is strictly necessary, but the municipal elections are maintained.

- Stage 3 -

On the 14th, France, which then totaled 4,500 cases and 91 deaths, went to "stage 3" of the epidemic, signifying the active circulation of the virus throughout the territory.

Closure of all "non-essential public areas", including restaurants, bars, nightclubs and cinemas.

- Containment -

The first round of municipal elections, on March 15, was marked by record abstention.

The 17 at noon, France enters confinement for two weeks minimum: travel limited to what is strictly necessary, second round of municipal postponed and ongoing reforms suspended.

Several major cities impose curfews. A "state of health emergency" comes into effect on March 24 for two months.

- The army as reinforcement -

The lack of protective masks, too few tests and the controversial use of an antimalarial, chloroquine, fuel the controversy.

The situation is tight: hospitals overwhelmed in the east and in Ile-de-France, army called in reinforcement to set up a field hospital in Mulhouse and evacuate patients.

- Extended confinement -

The "epidemic wave" is "extremely high", warns the Prime Minister on Friday March 27, who announces the extension of the confinement until at least April 15.

The Covid-19 caused the death of nearly 1,700 people in hospital in France, according to the report from the evening of March 26.

© 2020 AFP