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Lifting Covid lockdown in France Step 1: What changes from May 3

Travel distance limits and daytime attestation forms have ended but the curfew and several other restrictions remain in place

A woman outside wearing a mask. Lifting Covid lockdown in France Step 1: What changes from May 3

The first stage of lifting lockdown in France starts today, with forms no longer required to go out (except during curfew) Pic: Charlotte May / Pexels / Pexels License

The first step in the timetable to end lockdown restrictions in France begins today (May 3). This involves the end to limits on travel within France although the curfew is still in place.

Travel across France now allowed

You can now travel anywhere you like for any reason via any form of transport, without any distance restrictions or need for an attestation form during the day.

Curfew still applies

The curfew from 19:00 to 06:00 still applies and you still need a curfew attestation form to go out for one of the reasons stated on the form. 

There is a new curfew attestation form to be used from May 3, which has been updated to reflect the end of the general lockdown (curfew only). Download it here, create a digital version here, or find it on the TousAntiCovid app. 

The attestation forms for professional or school journeys remain unchanged.

The curfew start time is to be extended to 21:00 from May 19 to coincide with the reopening of shops, restaurant terraces (for table groups of up to six people), museums, cinemas and theatres.

The curfew time is to be extended again to 23:00 on June 9 and lifted completely on June 30.

Working from home still recommended

The current national health protocol still recommends that people work from home where possible. Employees who work 100% remotely can go into their place of work for one day a week if they like.

This rule is set to be relaxed further from June 9.

Collèges and lycées reopen at limited capacity for in-person classes

After two weeks of distance learning, lycée students will be able to attend class at half-capacity, alternating between distance classes and in-person sessions.

Collèges in most places will reopen, except for older pupils (the troisième and quatrième school years) in the areas that have been most affected by the pandemic. These classes will open at half-capacity, the same as lycées.

 

What you still cannot do

There are still a number of things that are not yet allowed. Restrictions still in place include:

  • Non-essential shops closed
  • No eating or drinking at restaurants or bars (except takeaways)
  • Museums, cinemas, theatres closed
  • No indoor group sports
  • Gatherings still limited to six people
  • Wearing a mask and sticking to ‘barrier methods’ (hand-washing, physical distancing…) still required

Read more: Four key dates for easing of restrictions in France

The next major date on the deconfinement calendar is May 19, when non-essential shops, restaurant terraces, museums, cinemas, and theatres will reopen, at limited capacity. The curfew is set to be extended to 21:00.

Physical distancing and hygiene methods will still apply.

After that, the next stage is set to be June 9, with interior restaurants (still for groups of no more than six) and indoor sports halls set to reopen, and the curfew extended to 23:00.

The final stage is set for June 30, when the curfew is set to be lifted, depending on the local health situation.

Related stories

Covid vaccination in France opens to all adults with health issues
France's lockdown exit plans: Which departments risk remaining closed?
Covid France: What are the key May-June dates for easing of lockdown?

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