France will begin to ease lockdown restrictions on May 11, after the country’s prime minister said they will have enough masks to meet the need.
French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said Tuesday:
“We are proposing a very gradual reopening of kindergartens and elementary schools from May 11, everywhere on the territory and on a voluntary basis. In a second step, we can consider reopening the colleges (intermediary schools), starting with 6th and 7th grade (11-12 year-olds). We will make a decision in early June for high schools.”
After an initial easing of lockdown measures on May 11, there will be a second monitoring phase from May 11 to June 2, Philippe added. France will make a decision on the opening of bars, cafes and restaurants at the end of May.
The prime minister said there are three strategies to fight the crisis: Protect, test and isolate.
“We have to progress with prudence,” Philippe said. “Confinement was an efficient instrument,” adding that confinement “prevented 62,000 deaths” in the country.
