May 11, a high-risk day in France. The question of social distancing rules is likely to arise, especially in public transport.

  • Public transport

Wearing a mandatory mask will now be mandatory in metros, buses and trams from the age of 11. Any infraction will result in a fine of 135 euros. Travelers should be able to collect a mask at the entrance to the main stations and stations. Hydroalcoholic gel dispensers should be gradually installed on the network.

[# MobilizedTogether] We are more than ever mobilized with @IDFmobilites to allow you to get back on our lines safely. In order for you to travel as peacefully as possible, we need everyone's effortsps https://t.co/Nvfs7Y90BR pic.twitter.com/zS5WzQGV9p

- RATP Group (@RATPgroup) May 6, 2020

In Île-de-France, access will be "reserved during peak hours for people with a certificate from their employer or with a compelling reason to travel" (health reason, convocation of justice, accompanying children ...)

In Parisian metros there is also the difficulty of respecting social distancing. After having been idling for seven weeks, the RATP will not be able to start at full speed and intends to provide approximately 75% of the service and the SNCF between 50 and 60% for its commuter trains.

Forcing travelers to stay at least one meter from each other reduces their number by 80%. Suddenly, the "carrying capacity" will be limited to about 15% of normal, calculates the CEO of RATP Catherine Guillouard. But the big unknown is the flow of passengers. How many Ile-de-France residents will take the RER, metro, tram or bus with the deconfinement, among the 96% who have deserted them?

To avoid excessive crowds, the police and security agents of RATP and SNCF will filter travelers at the entrance to stations and stations.

"If we observe dysfunctions of public order (...) or if the health security measures are not satisfied in a correct way, then we will not hesitate to close such bus line, such tram line ... ", warned Jean-Baptiste Djebbari.

  • Beyond 100 km, a new certificate

A limit of 100 km, "calculated as the crow flies from the usual place of residence", has been implemented for travel except "compelling professional or family reason". The limit only applies if you leave your department of residence. A new certificate is being prepared to allow the control of this rule.

  • Borders

Restrictions on France's borders with European countries (European Union, Schengen, United Kingdom) will be "extended until June 15 at least" and borders with non-European countries "will remain closed until to new order ", according to Christophe Castaner. The free movement of frontier workers will be preserved.

The fortnightly measures "for any French or foreign person entering France (...) at this stage will not be applied within the European area, except Overseas and, if we decide, in Corsica" .

With AFP

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