As of August 25, 2020, the coronavirus epidemic is still very active in France, as shown by the 3,304 new cases in 24 hours reported in France. Since August 14, 2020, Paris and Bouches-du-Rhône are “virus circulation’s active areas”, allowing prefects to make orders to guarantee the safety of the people.
Hospitalisations in France this Friday June 30, 2023: occupation rate of intensive care beds by region
Data on the coronavirus situation in France continues to be closely monitored. This Friday June 30, 2023, 9.47 % of intensive care beds in France are occupied. [Read more]
Closing some public places:
The police prefect of virus circulation’s active areas might have to fully or partially close some kinds of buildings welcoming people. If there is a major apprehension in the restaurant sector about a likely closure of bars and restaurants, show venues, movie theaters and museums, and many other public places are not safe from another hard blow.
Limiting gatherings:
In order to curb the spread of the virus, prefects might have to make measures to limit gatherings. This is what Paris has done as the police prefecture has banned any gathering or demonstration over 10 people during which barrier gestures and distancing cannot be observed, starting at 8 a.m. this Saturday morning.
As of Wednesday August 26, 2020, Jean Castex says that in red area departments, "prefectoral authorities will no longer be able to depart" from the maximum limit of 5,000 people in gatherings.
Limiting trips to 100km around one’s home:
As it has been implemented early in lockdown, prefects might once again limit trips within a 100km-perimeter around the house or even ban leaving the department including the same derogations as back in March, naming: business trip, health matter or family matter. The decree published in the Journal Officiel says that “the departmental prefect can – in the virus circulation’s active areas – ban trips of people leaving a clear 100km perimeter around their house and leave the department they live in”.
Closing schools:
Last but not least, even though most children are still on summer holidays – until early September 2020 – prefects in the virus circulation’s active areas have been given free rein to decide whether they shall close schools in the department or not. For now, in Paris and elsewhere, teachers are preparing pupil’s return to school with a new and softer health protocol for children in kindergarten, elementary school, junior high school and high school.
