President Macron announces France lockdown extension until May 11

President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France’s lockdown will be extended to Monday, May 11.

He said that after May 11 schools and nurseries would open because in some rural areas children have no access to online teaching. Universities, however, will remain closed.

Macron said that bars, restaurants, cinemas and other places which host large gatherings will remain closed until mid-July.

Borders with non-European countries will remain closed after May 11 until further notice.

Macron said that that no celebrations would be held until mid-July.

He said that wearing masks as lockdown is gradually lifted will not be compulsory and that masks would be available.

The president added that testing will be limited to those who show symptoms and that seniors and others at high risk will have prioirity for testing.

Macron admitted that France lacked masks and respirators but said that the problem was being solved by local production and substantial imports. He said that he had requested an extension of government aid to employees of companies and private enterprises. He said the government would announce a detailed plan for the lifting of lockdown before May 11.