Towards a gradual easing of restrictions?
The restriction of travel within a maximum radius of ten kilometers around the home will be lifted in France on May 3, we learned on Wednesday April 21 from a government source.
A possible easing of the curfew measures in force is not, however, noted, said the same source.
As he had indicated at the end of March, Emmanuel Macron will himself speak again to announce the modalities of the reopening, probably by the first week of May, according to this source.
A Defense Council is also being held on Wednesday morning, while the health situation is improving only very slowly.
A formal reopening
The Head of State announced on March 31, for four weeks from Saturday April 3 - so until May 2 - a curfew at 7 p.m. throughout France, the limitation of travel to 10 km from home unless there is a compelling reason, as well as the systematic recourse to teleworking.
He also mentioned a reopening from mid-May for the terraces of cafes-restaurants and places of culture, an objective that he then reaffirmed in front of mayors and that members of the government confirmed.
This reopening schedule is confirmed, underlined this source close to the executive.
And there would therefore no longer be an exit certificate in early May.
This choice reflects the conviction, at the Elysee Palace as at Matignon, that the number of contaminations will fall to around 20,000 per day within a month and that the target of 20 million vaccinated with at least one dose, expected mid- May, will be reached.
The Élysée recalls for its part that "the president is committed to a schedule of gradual reopening and depending on the evolution of the epidemic".
"Decline of the epidemic"
The epidemic is on a downward slope, with a drop in contamination.
For five days, "we have started a decrease in the epidemic", with 33,000 cases per day on average, estimated the Minister of Health Olivier Véran in an interview with Le Télégramme.
Several points remain under discussion between now and early May.
Starting with the curfew, which the most cautious in the government would like to delay by one hour at most in metropolitan France, at 8 p.m., while supporters of the reopening plead for 11 p.m.
In similar cases, the head of state has often opted for a mid-way compromise.
Other questions to be decided, the gauges in the places of culture and the size of the businesses which can reopen.
Consultations are continuing at the Ministries of Culture and the Economy with professionals.
The gauges could vary according to the territories, with a minimum threshold of 35%, which would vary according to the level of circulation of the virus.
Unresolved questions
The calendar of the next stages of opening (sports halls, nightclubs, festivals etc ...) also remains to be specified.
The executive is also considering deploying self-tests in schools that the High Authority for Health should authorize this week.
This subject, like the health protocol to be applied at the start of the school year, raises complex organizational questions.
Should an adult be systematically provided to supervise the tests, which are not so easy to perform?
And should all children be tested and from what age?
The government is also considering, as Emmanuel Macron mentioned on Tuesday evening during the weekly meeting at the Elysee Palace on vaccination, a communication campaign to reassure the French about the AstraZeneca vaccine, subject of reluctance.
With Reuters and AFP
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