Since Tuesday 17 March at midday, the containment came into force in France. In concrete terms, travel is prohibited except for :
- Commuting costs if teleworking is not possible
- Buying essentials in authorised local shops
- Visiting a healthcare professional
- Travel to look after your children or to help vulnerable people, provided you follow the strictest of barrier procedures
- Exercise only on an individual basis, around the home and without any gatherings
In all cases, people leaving their homes will need to be in possession of a certificate available herewhich can be reproduced on plain paper.
The French President's speech on Monday 16 March in the evening, also made official the closure of access to European Union countries and the Schengen area. This measure comes into force on 17 March at noonfor a 30 daysannounced Emmanuel Macron. " To protect ourselves and contain the spread of the virus (...) this morning we took the following steps between Europeans a joint decision from noon tomorrow [Tuesday], the borders into the European Union and the Schengen area will be closed. In concrete terms, all travel between non-European countries and the European Union will be suspended for 30 days." said the French President. " French citizens who are currently abroad and wish to return home will of course be able to do so." he continued.
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In the wake of this, the Minister for the Interior Christophe Castaner clarified certain points: " We must take care to prevent international movements that could reinforce the pandemic" he said on Monday evening. " France supports the proposals presented this afternoon by the President of the European Commission. Visit entries of all foreign nationals in the Schengen area are prohibited. This means that only citizens of member states of the Schengen area and the European Union, as well as UK nationals, who remain subject to European law during the Brexit transition period, will be able to enter our common travel area. Third-country nationals with a European residence permit will also continue to be able to enter the European area." said the Minister of the Interior.
