France approves new measures to fight the Covid-19 ‘catastrophe’ as it prepares to ease lockdown

France has extended its state of “health emergency” until July 10 included. The health emergency was first declared on March 22 and was set to remain in place for two months.

However, this does not change the date set for the easing of the confinement measures – May 11. On Monday, shops in France will reopen and people will be allowed out of their homes without having to carry a self-certification. But the bill approved yesterday evening gives French authorities new powers to halt and manage what the government called the Covid-19 “catastrophe”.

One of the most important points of the bill is about criminal charges for public officers and businesses over contagions that may occur after lockdown is eased. Initially, it caused controversies and disagreements over the extent of responsibility they would have to prevent the virus spread.

People arriving in any French territory – mainland and overseas – from outside the EU, the Schengen Area and the UK, who have been in “infection zones” (lister by the Health Ministry), will be subjected to quarantine, for an “initial period” of 14 days, maximum. The decision can be appealed in court. The bill also states that any victim of domestic abuse won’t be quarantined at the same address of the perpetrator.

The bill allows the creation of an information system “intended to identify infected persons” and “to collect information” on the persons that have been in contact with them, to halt the virus spread. This system allows personal health data to be processed and collected “without consent, if necessary”. As face-masks become compulsory on public transport from May 11, public officers – including national rail service (SNCF) and Paris transport (RATP) officers – will be able to sanction those who do not comply.

The bill also lists certain measures that the Prime Minister can take by decree, such as: Regulating or prohibiting the movement of people and vehicles, and regulating access to means of transport as well as the conditions of their use. Ordering the provisional closure and regulating the opening of public spaces. Ordering “the requisition” of “persons and all goods and services necessary” to the fight to the health emergency.

Source: Euro News