What future lies for France as the country faces the health crisis? Prime Minister Jean Castex held a new press brief on Thursday December 10, 2020 as the second phase of the lockdown exit strategy is to start in five days including the opening of museums, movie theaters, theaters and show venues, among others.
A press brief changing things in terms of continuing the plan because the number of cases has been stagnating for a few days. Curfew is to start from Tuesday December 15 at 8 p.m. instead of 9 p.m., cultural venues are to remain closed "at least for 3 more weeks" and might only reopen in January 2021. Even though on December 24 curfew is to be lifted, New Year's Eve will have to be celebrated "at home on your own" the head of state confirms.
Therefore, the Prime Minister noticed "The goal we set will not be met on December 15" naming "moving below 5,000 new cases per day". He also warned danger was still very real. "If we change nothing, the risk is the second wave to start again" he explains.
The Prime Minister was accompanied by Health Minister Olivier Véran and Secretary of the Interior Gérald Darmanin. "Exceptionally difficult decisions" that are yet intended to enable to "enjoy the Holidays without risking a resurgence now or in the first weeks of January".
