France is set to end eight weeks of strict lockdown as the government urged people to behave responsibly to avoid a sudden spike in coronavirus cases.
Hours before the national déconfinement there were reports of two new Covid-19 clusters in départments designated green – areas where the virus has largely stopped circulating and where most restrictions are being lifted.
Many of the country’s primary and nursery schools are gearing up to restart classes this week, while people will be able to leave home without having to carry sworn attestations.
Business are being encouraged to open but staggering working hours to avoid crowding on public transport and in offices.
The Paris region – which remains designated red because of the continuing threat from the virus – will remain under stricter regulation and workers are being encouraged to continue working from home where possible.
Anyone using public transport will be required to wear a mask and peak-hour metros, buses and trams are reserved for essential workers.
While many were happy to see the end of the “stay home” rule others were more cautious. France has had more than 139,000 confirmed cases of coronavirus, resulting in at least 26,300 deaths, according to official figures.
An Ifop poll in Le Parisien suggested 65% of French people believe a cautious approach is more important than a rapid return to normal life. At the same time, 58% believe the economic crisis sparked by Covid-19 is the biggest risk to the country.
