Paris (AFP)

The logistics chain is assured in France despite the difficulties caused by the covid-19 epidemic, assured Friday the Secretary of State for Transport Jean-Baptiste Djebbari, for whom the country remains supplied.

"The needs of the Nation are assured. (...) There are no shortages in France," said Djebbari in an interview with Ouest France.

"There have been sticking points on pasta production, egg distribution, packaging, cereals this week, but we are looking for quick solutions, case by case, every time a subject comes up", he explained.

Concerning the complaints of many truckers worried about their health, Mr. Djebbari recalled that he had issued a decree imposing "that all places of loading and unloading be equipped with hydroalcoholic gel or, failing that, water and soap and that the activity of the drivers is facilitated ".

"We also make sure that the service areas remain open, and we carry out checks to make sure that the toilets, showers or catering outlets are easily accessible," he added.

"On Wednesday, their average opening rate was 80 to 93% depending on the road network. (...) We will not hesitate to make requisitions if necessary," he said.

On the rail side, "the supply of trains has been reduced to basic needs, for the movement of medical staff and French people who cannot practice telework," said the Secretary of State.

As a result, only 6% of TGVs, 7% of Intercités and 25% of daily trains operate, "but we have mobilized SNCF and private operators to keep rail freight at a high level. More than 60% of freight trains have been maintained, "he said.

The same goes for air transport even if "air freight and medical transport by air mean that airports remain open".

Air France's offer in particular has fallen to 3% of normal "and it relates essentially to the repatriation of French people who were abroad at the start of the crisis," said Djebbari.

More than 125,000 of the 130,000 French nationals concerned returned on Thursday, most of the last cases being concentrated on "New Zealand, Australia and Peru".

As for the ports, Jean-Baptiste Djebbari sees "no major operating problems", and 70% of them "remain open despite complicated working conditions".

© 2020 AFP