Deconfinement in France: what will Paris look like on May 11?

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As the date for lifting the containment, set for May 11, is approaching in France, many questions arise about its modalities. Paris presented its measures on Tuesday 5 May.

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With more than 2 million inhabitants over 100 km2, Paris is one of the densest capitals in the world. Lifting the containment therefore represents a logistical challenge. Objective: avoid gatherings. Back to school will be done in several stages. First, nursery and elementary schools from May 14, with different hours so as not to have a massive influx of parents.

The children of front-line staff in the fight against the pandemic and essential to the resumption of economic life (teachers, city officials, RATP, SNCF, ...) will be given priority, just like children in fragile situation. "  It is estimated that we should roughly accommodate no more than 15% of students,  " said the mayor of the capital Anne Hidalgo.

Around the schools, square meters will be nibbled on the pavement to leave more space for social distancing. The same will apply to certain stores where “waiting areas” will be created. The town hall thus intends to remove parking spaces, or even prohibit cars from accessing certain streets, in order to leave more space for pedestrians and bicycles, and promote these modes of transport, to the detriment of motor vehicles. Fifty kilometers of cycle paths must also be developed to help relieve congestion on public transport.

The town hall hopes to obtain a reopening of the parks to allow Parisians to breathe. But she will ensure that there are no crowds, no picnics, and no group sports. Markets will however be accessible again, just like the banks. This time, everyone's responsibility is called on so that they are not crowded with people in the evening. And if this instruction was not respected, a prefectural decree could restrict access.

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• France
• Confinement
• Coronavirus