When will French people be able to go to restaurants, bars, and cafés again? As the third coronavirus epidemic wave is causing new restrictions in mainland France, scenes of the world going back to normal life can be seen in the United States, and in Israel, raising hope. What about France, then?
President Emmanuel Macron announced this Wednesday March 31, 2021, that possible reopening might take place by mid-May. Statements reaffirmed during a meeting held this April 27 with 10 mayors from France to present and improve the lockdown exit calendar and during which the French President reportedly confirmed terraces are to reopen from mid-May 2021.
So, if the evolution of the health situation enables it, the first step would be the reopening of terraces everywhere in France starting May 19, 2021, according to Europe 1, including maximum 6 guests around the table.
Then, the government might enable bars and restaurants to open their indoor dining rooms to their patrons. A progressive second step that will depend on the viral circulation rate in each department and that will be set around June 9, 2021 - still according to Europe 1 - once again including maximum 6 guests around the table. Furthermore, if athe health situation turns bad in a department, these places could close again within this very department.
Yet, no extra news as for the health protocol to be instated for the reopening has been made available. It seems, these places are to observe a 50%-limited gauge, and must comply with a QR code system to warn patrons in the event they have been around someone infected, as well as maximum six people per table, compulsory facemask-wearing when moving, and hand-sanitizer made available.
Emmanuel Macron is to address this Friday April 30, 2021 in the regional press to reveal the government's lockdown exit plan and the calendar they have been considering.
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