Bars to re-open and travel restrictions lifted as France eases coronavirus lockdown

Record ID: 1554396

  • Title: Bars to re-open and travel restrictions lifted as France eases coronavirus lockdown
  • Date: 28th May 2020
  • Summary: PARIS, FRANCE (RECENT - MAY 13, 2020) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF PEOPLE ON STREET
  • Embargoed: 11th June 2020 17:36
  • Keywords: Edouard Philippe France coronavirus lockdown easing restaurants
  • Location: PARIS, FRANCE
  • City: PARIS, FRANCE
  • Country: France
  • Topics: Health/Medicine
  • Reuters ID: LVA00ACFUIVYF
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9
  • Story Text: Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Thursday (May 28) said France was moving to phase two of relaxing its lockdown meaning beaches, bars and restaurants can re-open and travel restrictions will be lifted.
    Philippe told France's 67 million people that danger still lurked and the government would pay particular attention to public health indicators in Paris and its surrounding area as the restrictions are relaxed.
    "Freedom will become the rule, bans the exception," Philippe said in a televised address.
    The plan includes an accelerated return of all primary and middle schools, as well as high schools in "green" zones, from Tuesday (June 2).
    Restaurants, bars and cafes will also be able to re-open from Tuesday. Philippe said that in "green" areas where the virus is circulating more slowly - most of continental France - the only restriction in establishments will be a minimum distance of 1 metre between tables. In "orange" areas such as the Ile de France region around Paris, bars and restaurants will only be allowed to open their outdoor terraces.
    France will also lift a 100-km (62 mile) travel restriction imposed on May 11 to contain the new coronavirus outbreak. France would be favourable to the re-opening of borders with other European countries from June 15, Philippe added.
    Cinemas will also be allowed to reopen from June 22.
    The coronavirus has claimed the lives of more than 28,500 people in France, but on Wednesday (May 27) the death toll rose by less than 100 for the seventh day running.
    Philippe said the greater Paris region was now designated an "orange" zone, meaning Paris was not as free of the virus as almost all other regions designated "green", and the easing of restrictions would be slower.
    (Production: Ardee Napolitano)
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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