Enora Borgnon is a journalism student from the University of Brest in France, currently working as an intern with the Bega District News.
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She has been reaching out to friends and fellow students who are also interning in various locations around the world, and all caught up in the COVID-19 pandemic. This is one of their stories.
Like in Australia, France is about to ease the COVID-19 lockdown, but this is not that easy as the country still records a lot of cases every day.
French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced on Tuesday, April 28, that he wished that the lockdown could ease from May 11. Not all of the country will get out of the lockdown at the same time though; it will depend on how many positive cases the state has.
Starting on May 12, schools will reopen for those who want to send their kids back. Only pre-K-5 classes will be open with a maximum of 15 kids per class. On May 18, Years 6-9 can get back to school if they are living in one of the "green" department areas (i.e not that many cases of coronavirus).
Citizens will be able to travel, but not as far as 100km from home.
Unfortunately, especially when sunny days are coming back, access to beaches is still closed, with no information concerning their reopening yet.
New rules are being studied concerning this summer.
For the lockdown to be eased, there are some things to be considered - the country needs fewer than 3000 cases a day; enough beds in hospital for those in serious condition; and the number of tests.
From May 11, citizens have to wear masks on public transport and to avoid public gatherings in public transport (like bus or metro). Employers will try to arrange work hours. Gatherings of up to 10 people will be allowed.
Concerning schools again, even if school for little children will be open again, no childcare will be available at the end of the day, which can be a hassle for parents who might want to go back to work.
Children in Years 6 to 9 will have to wear masks at school.
No news has yet been made public concerning the reopening of bars, cafés and restaurants in the country.
The month of May is really important for French people as there are a lot of bank holidays, and people travelling - but this year no-one. This is especially hard for them.
There is hope that much will reopen this summer (July) but nothing is certain yet.
There should be more indications in the following weeks concerning those new rules. However, if there are still 3000-plus cases a day then nothing will happen.
With the ease of the lockdown they are also afraid of a second wave to enter the country.
