Minister calls for French police to get tough on lockdown

Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin has called on police in France to reinforce confinement rules amid fears that the second confinement is not being taken as seriously as the first earlier this year.

Read more: People in France travelling far more this lockdown than last

In a letter sent to prefects, Mr Darmanin asked police to show “particular firmness enforcing respect, on the ground, for tendencies concerning private gatherings, gatherings in public places and the closure of establishments that receive the public, as well as individual journeys that do not correspond with authorised reasons for travel”.

More checks on travel exemption forms encouraged

The minister advised that police forces increase their presence in public places, especially in urban areas and densely populated zones where there has been “a recurrent lack of respect for confinement”.

He said increased police checks on people who do leave their homes should be “visible” and concentrated on fixed locations such as “passage points and large travel hubs such as stations and airports”.

As for carrying out checks on private gatherings, Mr Darmanin suggested that police “pay attention to people entering or leaving places without legitimate reasons, in violation of imposed rules” as well as looking out for “excessive noise” and other indications that gatherings may be happening.

Your lockdown questions answered

Some rules have changed since the first lockdown in France. The Connexion has been answering reader questions about the rules for the second confinement, such as:

Can I visit friends and family?

Can I drive a friend to the doctor?

Can I go to the dentist?

Can I take a family member to the airport?

Can we exercise as a couple or family?

Can I write two names on an attestation?

Does the 1-hour limit apply to my weekly shop?

Can I drive to a supermarket 19km away?

Can I go to feed my horses 10km away?

Do you have a question about lockdown rules in France? Email us: questions@connexionfrance.com

The fine for leaving the house without a valid travel exemption form during confinement is €135.

Travel exemption forms are available to print and download here (in French). There is an English version available and also an easy-read version with pictograms. There is also a digital version available via the TousAntiCovid smartphone app.

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