French stadiums and racetracks will once again be able to open and welcome the public from July 11, but with a size limited to a maximum of 5,000 people, Édouard Philippe confirmed on Saturday, June 20.

The government also authorized the resumption of collective sports activities from Monday, June 22 "with appropriate prevention measures". Combat sports, however, remain prohibited.

The improvement of the sanitary situation in France linked to the Covid-19 pandemic, also allows the French government to authorize the reopening as of June 22 of cinemas, holiday centers, casinos and game rooms.

Call for "vigilance" against the virus

Édouard Philippe calls, however, to maintain "a vigilant posture in the face of the epidemic, especially during the summer period," he said in a press release.

"As for theaters, activities bringing together more than 1,500 people will have to be declared, so that the necessary precautions can be guaranteed," said the head of government.

Thanks to advances in the fight against the Covid-19 epidemic, France has recorded only 14 additional Covid-19-related deaths in hospitals in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of deaths from the start of the epidemic at 29,617, according to the balance sheet published Friday by the Directorate General of Health (DGS).

The number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care continues to decrease with 727 patients, 25 less than Thursday, according to a press release from the DGS.

State of emergency lifted on July 11 except in Guyana

The resumption of leisure and sports activities is the first set of deconfinement measures announced by Matignon. The second phase will come into effect on July 11, the date that will mark the end of the state of health emergency in metropolitan France.

Came into force on March 24 in the face of the Covid-19 epidemic, this state of health emergency, which allows certain public freedoms to be restricted, had been extended in May until July 10. In overseas France, on the other hand, it will be maintained, especially in French Guiana where "the virus is actively circulating" and therefore requests special protection measures. The government will issue a decree next week to postpone the municipal elections.

Discos, fairs and trade shows open in September 

Finally from September "and subject to a new evaluation of the epidemiological situation, the start of the academic year may be marked by further relaxation" with the opening of fairs, exhibitions and shows and "if necessary" of the opening of discos and international maritime cruises.

"This new step (...) rests first of all on the sense of responsibility of the French, who must continue to demonstrate an exemplary attitude to fight the epidemic," said the government.

Across France, the authorities already seem to rule out a new containment in the event of a second epidemic wave. "The response strategy, in particular to protect the most vulnerable without resorting to a general reconfiguration, as well as the health system, will be presented by the government in the coming days. Special arrangements will be made for the summer," said the government.

With AFP

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