Castex has blown the final whistle for recess on terraces. This Thursday May 20, 2021, the day following the official reopening of terraces, Prime Minister Jean Castex reminded on BFMTV the rules. “Yesterday was the reopening, we get there has been much enthusiasm, but I call in everyone, it’s in our common interest to comply with the rules”. Namely social distancing, facemask-wearing, and health protocols in restaurants and outdoor places.
As if to warn the French who felt, this Wednesday May 19, 2021, kind of free again after being locked down for six months, Jean Castex suggests they shall not forget the ultimate goal: exiting the Covid-19 epidemic health crisis. And it involves complying with the governmental measures. “People love hanging on terraces, of course. No one wants to be put in lockdown, this isn’t the goal. It involves collective discipline, it’s within our reach”, the Prime Minister considered.
Furthermore, “it’s in our collective interest to comply with the rules” made by the executive, he reminded. And it is not from lack of taking the time to come up with a strong battle plan, in partnership with the professionals of the sector. “We’ve come up with progressive reopening with steps, protocols have not been imposed, but worked on with professionals”, he told on BFMTV, launching a “call for responsibility” from the French.
Yet, the day before, the Prime Minister was proudly seating with Emmanuel Macron on a terrace, enjoying a cup of coffee. Barely 24 hours later, the tone has changed. The first warning of a long series of warnings over lockdown exit?
