PARIS, May 11 (Reuters) - France tiptoed out of one of Europe's strictest coronavirus lockdowns on Monday, reopening shops, factories and some schools to revive the economy but wary of the risks of a second wave of infections.
With the world’s fifth highest official death toll, France is allowing a return to workplaces with social distancing measures and re-opening schools in phases. The country’s 67 million people can now leave home without government paperwork.
Commuter traffic on the capital’s metro lines was lighter than normal. Passengers have to wear masks and stickers on seats marked out social distancing. Business can now re-open providing they put in place safety precautions. But people can only travel up to 100 km unless for professional reasons, funerals or caring for the sick.France’s blueprint for easing the lockdown reflects a balancing act, with the government keen to relieve the mounting frustration of people holed up in their homes since mid-March without heightening the risk of a second wave of infections.
Macron is, though, eager to rescue an economy in free fall. The euro zone’s second biggest economy is forecast to contract 8% this year.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Embattled St Augustine's and Kingsway hospitals to reopen on Monday after Covid-19 outbreaksEmbattled St Augustine's hospital in Durban and Kingsway hospital in Amanzimtoti are set to reopen their doors on Monday following outbreaks of Covid-19 at the hospital last month.
Read more »
COVID-19: Global cases top 4 millionGovernments around the world are trying to stop the spread of the disease while scrambling for ways to relieve pressure on their economies
Read more »
Government keeping information on virus under wraps to 'avoid Covid-19 panic'The government has admitted to holding back information from the public on the Covid-19 pandemic, saying it is doing so to avoid panic.
Read more »
Covid-19 in Western Cape: Province now has 3309 active casesMore than 1600 people have now recovered from the Covid-19 in the Western Cape, the provincial government said on Saturday.
Read more »
Financial adviser's at Liberty Life cry foul over unpaid Covid-19 relief fundsA group of financial advisers are angry that the Liberty Life Group has failed to keep its promise to pay reliefs as they are unable to earn during the Covdi-19 pandemic. | Day44ofLockdown
Read more »