France in study of lockdown exit strategy

Amid tentative signs of a slowing in the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, the French government is looking to ease nationwide lockdown on May 11, in the hopes of injecting life into the crumbling economy while ensuring people' safety.

The national lockdown, into its six weeks, has born fruits in curbing the coronavirus. On Thursday, the number of patients in intensive care continued a two-week decline. The overall number of those who remain hospitalized with the virus continued to drop, consolidating an eight-day trend.

The details of the government's exit strategy is set to be unveiled on Tuesday.

MEASURES UNDER STUDY

According to government's guiding policy, cafes, restaurants, cinemas and theatres would remain closed, and festivals would be postponed until mid-July.

Meanwhile, schools would reopen in several stages, with much smaller classes and on a voluntary basis. Retails will resume activity with strict rules to limit the number of people in shops at one time.

Speaking in a video call with mayors on Thursday, President Emmanuel Macron suggested regions would have to adapt their strategy depending on how hard they had been affected.

The scientific council, which advises the government on the epidemic crisis, said an ending of the confinement would be possible when the virus circulation slows down and sufficient stocks of equipment, including masks and testing kits, are available.

The government had promised that by the end of April, some 25 million reusable-fabric masks will be produced per week to provide the general public with a protective tool when the lockdown is lifted.

It also pledged to set up "a very efficient" test system to make sure that 700,000 tests per week will be available by May 11 from 150,000 currently.