The Last Normal Weekend
On the evening of 12 March 2020, French residents were anxiously anticipating the televised presidential speech at 20h00. The coronavirus situation in Europe was getting increasingly serious. It had come to a point where the French government had to act to slow the spread of the virus. In doing so, France followed in the footsteps of Italy, which started a week before.
That night, the President announced the closure of all schools starting the following Monday, 16 March. Companies were encouraged to allow their employees to work from home. In addition, precautions were given. These included keeping travel to a strict minimum and avoiding gatherings. People were also asked to maintain a physical distance of 1 metre from each other. Even so, it seemed absurd to me. The government decided NOT to call off the first round of municipal elections. It would be held on Sunday, 15 March (all in the name of politics, of course).
A series of new and stricter measures swiftly unfolded after that evening. Two days later, on Saturday evening, the French Prime Minister spoke. This time, all public venues not critical to the daily functioning of the country would close. Essentially, everything would be closed except for food stores (supermarkets, markets), pharmacies, newsstands, petrol stations and banks.
I suspect one reason prompted the rapid implementation of the more draconian measures. That reason was the frivolous behaviour of the residents. Between 12 and 14 March, plenty of people threw the President’s advice to the wind. After all, they were keen to enjoy the unexpected appearance of warm and sunny weather. People were strolling and sunbathing with friends and families in the parks, along the beaches and rivers. It was as if the global coronavirus COVID-19 situation had left France unscathed.
Nous Sommes en Guerre
Two days later, on 16 March, Monday evening, the President made his second appearance. It was in this address that he declared “Nous sommes en guerre [We are at war]” six times. The enemy was the virus. From noon the following day, and for a minimum of the next 15 days, everyone was to stay home. The only exception was trips to purchase the daily necessities, food and medicines. As a result, all activities outside one’s home were further curtailed.
Covid Lockdown in France: The Fine Print
The government released the details of the almost complete lockdown in the following few days. Restrictions included the types of sports allowed. Cycling, for instance, was banned outright. Running was still possible, but only within a 1 km radius, for not more than 1 hour, once a day. Everyone also had to carry a confinement form. It had to be printed or handwritten, signed, with the date and time stated. In addition, the police would impose fines on those who flouted the confinement laws.
Whatever the Cost
The world will eventually win the war. But when, and at what cost? When will we beat the virus? Will there be another wave of new infections? In Asia, we are already seeing new cases re-emerging in the past few days.
The small, local businesses – will they be able to take the hit? True, the French government has promised to financially support all enterprises, regardless of the cost. The French President hammered this point three different times during his speech on 12 March. His words were “Quoi qu’il en coûte [regardless of the cost]“.
Will my favourite local bakery still be there when the situation returns to normal? How about the recently opened small pizzeria and Indian take-away eatery? I have yet to patronise either of them. Will they survive this period?
Strange Times
I am forty-something, and very fortunate to have only lived in peacetime. Never did I think I would experience living in these strange times.