Thread by @QuentinAries

French President Emmanuel Macron said in a presidential address conoravirus was the most severe disease outbreak in the country for a century.

#France #CoronavirusPandemic

Macron thanks health professionals, but also French people who adopted principles for France’s healthcare system to be better prepared.

But he adds ‘with gravity … we are only at the beginning of this pandemic'

Macron says the first wave of the outbreak is a risk for the most vulnerable. But he warns a ‘a second wave’ could come with younger and healthier patient.

Macron asks people over 70, people with pre-conditions to stay at home as most as they can. They should only leave their home to get fresh air and groceries.

Macron adds the first round of the municipal election, due this Sunday, will take place.

‘It is about ensuring the continuity of our democratic life and our institutions’

As of Monday ALL pre-schools, daycare centers, schools, high-schools, universities in France will be closed.

Regions and local officials will work with the government to help for parents with children for them to go to work.

Public transport continues.

Macron says all medical units in hospitals, doctors, med students, recently retired doctors to help out to mitigate the outbreak.

Unnecessary care in French hospitals will be postponed.

Macron adds new efforts to boost research at the national and European levels.

‘Several researchers are already working on treatments’

‘Europe has everything to find a cure to Covid-19’ he says.

Massive partial unemployment measures will be made in the coming days says Macron.

He reckons Germany managed to find ways to do it. ‘It is for employees to stay home, to stay in the company and to be paid’

All companies can postpone tax payments due in March.

Macron says the French government will work on French, but also European-wide economic stimulus plans.

‘All EU governments must do stimulus measures, whatever it takes’

‘Europe will react in massive and organized fashion’ to tackle the disease.

NEW: Macron will speak with Trump ‘because he is the president’ of the G7 for a global ambitious initiative.

Macron warns the virus has no borders, declined to shut down borders.

Borders could be closed, in exceptional fashion and at the European level

‘I am counting on you for the next days, weeks, months to come. I am counting on you because the government cannot do anything’ says Macron .

He calls French to clean their hands, social distancing measures, not shaking hands, 1-meter distance with others.

‘It may be anodin but it saves lives’ says Emmanuel Macron who called not to visit elders, help neighbors to babysit, encourage working remotely.

Macron says Olivier Véran, the French health minister will provide clear guidance in the coming hours.

‘I am counting on you, to be a nation, to reveal what is best in us, to reveal our generous soul’

The tone is very De Gaulle to be honest.

Macron says the French social security and welfare state is ‘an asset’ and should be out of private market.

It is about taking control on our health with French/European sovereignty to ensure their public systems to be resilient.

He says he will push for it at the EU level

Damn. This was a presidential address.

Based on science, inspiring to look for the best in people’s minds and souls.

Also very European speech. Will put extra pressure on countries very reluctant to move forward