PM: We'll look at this territory by territory, but if things go okay after May 11, we'll consider easing lockdowns in more affected territories. If the local system for testing isn't ready, we can't lift in that area. He's introducing the idea of "red" and "green" areas.
Every Thursday, we'll show a map with the best and worst departments showing how likely it is that we can lift the lockdown or whether we have to slap it back on.
We have priority areas of for easing the lockdown:
We have priority areas of for easing the lockdown:
Schools. It's imperative that kids go back to schools. At first, it will be on a voluntary basis. After May 18, only in regions where virus is low, we'll reopen middle schools; later, high school and vocational schools. We don't take this decision lightly.
No more than 15 students per class. Strict hygiene. Masks, and hand sanitizer in every school. Scientists suggest that kindergarteners needn't wear masks. It isn't appropriate. Unless the child is symptomatic. Then he'll wear a mask while waiting for his parents to get him.
Older kids will wear masks. Obligatory. We're going to need to requisition space for these classes. Lots of thanks to teachers, who have worked so hard to teach children during this period. They've reinvented themselves to provide new ways to teach.
Local decisions will be key: local governments and parents together will find the right decisions; we support and trust them. Childcare--limit to ten kids at most, if possible, not touching each other. We leave these decisions to the managers of these facilities..
The situation is different if you're a single parent who can't work at home. We have to take this into account.
Children under 3 don't have to wear masks.
Work from home must be maintained, emphatically, at least for another three weeks.
Children under 3 don't have to wear masks.
Work from home must be maintained, emphatically, at least for another three weeks.
We need to keep doing this to reduce use of mass transit. There's not going to be a "before" and "after" on May 11--we're going to keep social distancing as much as possible. We've so far written 33 guides for 33 professions; by May 11 we'll have 60, which is what we need.
It's really interesting--we're reorganizing the way we do everything, with dialogue at every level with unions, employees. We have measures to help businesses that are going under, these will be tailored and adapted if things go okay. Stores will begin reopening on May 11.
Except cafes and restaurants. They stay closed. After May 11, open-air markets will be allowed unless mayors and prefects don't think it's safe. Stores will be open, but under very specific rules: People have to be far away from each other, including employees.
Masks may be required to enter the store ...
So far, it sounds as if the plan is "very slow, and we'll see how it goes."
So far, it sounds as if the plan is "very slow, and we'll see how it goes."
