Coronavirus: differences between alert area, reinforced alert area and maximum alert area

New drastic measures against coronavirus… This Wednesday September 23, 2020 Health Minister Olivier Véran has announced new restrictions for many departments with a new map. It is now divided into three areas in red hues, each being different from the others.

There are alert areas in pink, reinforced alert areas in red, maximum alert areas in scarlet red. Three areas completed by a health emergency alert, involving more measures. But what are the differences between these alerts? What are the restrictions that can be implemented? We explain everything!

Alert area – pink:

What is affected? It affects departments with an incidence rate between 50 and 150 coronavirus cases for 100,000 inhabitants. All in all, 69 departments are affected (53 departments, as well as those on reinforced and maximum alerts, even though they have different restrictions).

What are the measures implemented?

• In these areas, the gauge of private gatherings (weddings, family reunions, birthdays, etc.) has been lowered to 30 people.
• Note that prefects can make other restrictions in case the contamination case rate evolves.

Reinforced alert area – red:

What is affected? It affects departments with an incidence rate between 150 and 200 coronavirus cases for 100,000 inhabitants, and where the incidence rate exceeds 50 in elderly people. All in all, 14 departments are affected, mainly those including big cities such as Bordeaux, Lyon, Lille, Toulouse, Saint-Etienne, Nice, Paris, and the inner suburbs of Paris, Rennes and Montpellier.

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What are the measures implemented?

• In these areas, the gauge of private gatherings (weddings, family reunions, birthdays, etc.) has been lowered to 10 people.
• For big events, the maximum gauge for gatherings has been lowered to 1000 people on the condition that health measures implemented are strictly respected. Derogations could be implemented.
• Big local or student celebrations are banned, and function rooms must remain closed.
• Bars must close at 10 p.m. at the latest.
• Gyms are closed.
• Remote working is highly recommended.

Maximum alert area – scarlet red:

What is affected? Departments reporting an incidence rate between 250 and 300 coronavirus cases for 100,000 inhabitants, where the incidence rate exceeds 100 in elderly people and where patients infected by the virus take over 30% of beds in ICU. All in all, only the metropolis of Aix-Marseille and Guadeloupe are concerned.

What are the measures implemented?

• Total closure of bars and restaurants that will be granted financial compensations from the State during this period
• Closure or places receiving the general public, excluding those that already implemented a strict health protocol. Stores and cultural venues (movie theaters, theaters, show venues, etc.), are not concerned either.
• Funerals are not part of the events included in these measures.

Health emergency:

What is affected? No department so far. This alert will only be applied to territories ICU are overcrowded in.

What are the measures implemented? No exact measure has been announced on the matter by the Health Minister, but partial and targeted lockdown is to be considered.