Confinement: can a couple go out together?

Several readers have asked if two people can go out together during the confinement period.

Connexion has contacted the government helpline, which said that only one person is allowed to go out in a car at a time to do the shopping, or for any of the other reasons permitted for people to go out.

However the spokesperson said two people can be allowed in a car for an exceptional reason such as driving a partner to a medical appointment if your partner does not drive.

If you are a single parent with young children, you can also take the children with you if you need to go out for one of the permitted reasons and do not have an alternative.

Basically the aim is to have as few people as possible in supermarkets and food shops and generally out and about to stop the spread of the virus.

If you go running near your home, you can go out with someone who lives in the same home, the Interior Ministry is quoted as saying to the French media, Checknews.

However, barrier gestures (especially frequently washing hands and avoiding contact with your hands onto your face as the virus can live for several hours on different surfaces, such as door handles and shopping trolleys, and leaving a minimum of one metre between two people must be respected.

Going out to visit or meet friends is not allowed.

Stay informed:
Sign up to our free weekly e-newsletter
Subscribe to access all our online articles and receive our printed monthly newspaper The Connexion at your home. News analysis, features and practical help for English-speakers in France