After a new nationwide lockdown - still as difficult for some people - French can exit and gradually resume to their “normal” life starting November 28, 2020, as the lockdown is being eased off. This Tuesday November 24, 2020 the French President announced that things will return to normal gradually and in three steps.
Hair salons, bookstores, toy stores: all stores are allowed to reopen in compliance with a strict health protocol. Here is what you can do starting Saturday November 28, 2020.
What changes from Saturday November 28, 2020:
Going to school?
Yes, like during the second nationwide lockdown, for kindergarteners, first graders, fourth graders and second graders in Educational Priority Areas.
The derogatory trip certificate remains compulsory when dropping children to school.
Riding public transportation?
Yes, but with a facemask and an employer’s certificate at peak hours.
Public transit: fewer metros at off-peak hours starting Wednesday in Paris
Because of lockdown implemented since October 30, 2020, the public transit offer in Paris and Île-de-France will be cut in half at off-peak hours on some lines. According to Le Parisien newspaper, starting Wednesday November 18, there will be one metro in two between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Discover RATP traffic forecast. [Read more]
Shopping?
Yes, finally! Stores are allowed to open in compliance with a strict health protocol.
Lockdown exit: non-necessary stores and shopping malls reopen today
Non-necessary stores and shopping malls have been closed since April 3, 2021 - when the third lockdown started in France. This Wednesday May 19, 2021 marks the return of these stores in France: They are now allowed to reopen to their customers! [Read more]
Covid: new health protocol for stores reopening
As all stores are to reopen starting November 28, a new health protocol will be instated. During a press brief held on November 26, deputy minister to the Minister of the Economy entrusted with SMBs Alain Griset has explained the reinforced health protocol. 8sqm per customer limit, one-way traffic when possible... Here are the new rules to comply with within stores. [Read more]
Going to the movies, having a drink in a bar, or going to the restaurants?
Yes for movies, but no for drinks or restaurants, all these places of life are closed until further notice. Like attending a show, a fair or any event.
Walking in the forest or a park?
Yes, for walks in forest within a 20km-area and for maximum 3 hours. Parks and gardens in Paris are open.
Lockdown exit: finding walks and hikes within a 20-kilometer distance from your home
As the end of lockdown is upon us, the ban of moving over 20 kilometers from your home and for 3 hours is still on. As we all want to stretch our legs after a second lockdown, but we should not clog up the same areas, the Helloways platform enables us to have easy access to walks, hikes and microadventures near you. [Read more]
Meeting with family and friends?
No, only for the Holidays. Lockdown is still on, even softened. Please comply with scientists' recommendations on the matter.
Coronavirus: rule of 6, public or private gatherings: what is banned?
In his address on October 14, 2020, Emmanuel Macron has mentioned the "rule of 6" to apply for private gatherings in order to curb the coronavirus epidemic. what is it about exactly? [Read more]
Attending a religious service?
No, churches, mosques and synagogues are open but services are banned. They are caped at 30 people for Christmas.
Covid: "rules for places of worship not to be improved" Castex says
The gauge for places of worship has been eased off earlier in December. But these new rules are not to be improved for the Holidays, Jean Castex said on December 10 during his press brief. [Read more]
Covid: no midnight mass nor religious services prior the reopening of stores
Prime Minister Jean Castex has held a meeting this Monday November 16, 2020, a meeting with representatives of all cults in order to address Holidays religious services. Catholics are especially worried on the running of the traditional Christmas services. So far, the French government has been studying the different hypothesis, while setting up conditions: in France, there will be no mass nor religious services before stores reopen. [Read more]
What remains shut until further notice:
When are bars set to reopen? Not before February 2021?
New hard blow for bar owners who are regretting Emmanuel Macron’s silence during his latest address on November 24, 2020. Even though restaurants are said to be able to reopen from January 20, 2020, rumor has it that bars could remain closed until February 2021. [Read more]
