Responses to the Spread of COVID-19 in France- Observation from the viewpoint of a Japanese resident

1. Introduction
On 11 May 2020, approximately 8 weeks since the lockdown was declared on 17 March, the Government ofFrance cautiously started the first phase of easing the restrictions. On 2 June, the second phase began, and taking into
account the situations, the third phase will be implemented on 22 June.
The Government imposed the lockdown without any preparedness among people physically and psychologically.
On the contrary, the easing of restrictions has been conducted with great caution.
This report is written by a Japanese residing in France. It focuses on efforts to stopping the spread of COVID19 as well as challenges for the way forward after easing the lockdown (some contents in this report might be different
from other areas of France).

2. Situation in France
As of 31 May, the number of confirmed cases with COVID-19 is 148,436 persons and the death is 28,717
persons.

Fig. 1

1

The numbers of confirmed cases and deaths with COVID-19 in France1

World Health Organisation (WHO)13. Preventive Actions: Lockdown
Below is a quick glance of policy differences between France and Japan for fighting against COVID-19.

Table 1 Policy Differences in COVID-19 Preventive Actions Between France and Japan
Preventive Action
Staying HomeFranceJapan- Mandatory- Non-Mandatory- Imposition of lockdowns- No imposition of lockdowns (drawing- Legally binding

onindividualresponsibilityandcooperation)
PhysicalKeeping at least 1 meter distancespaces, closed contacts

DistancingWorkSchool

Avoidance of 3Cs: crowds, closed

Promoted tele-work, except essential

Promoted tele-work, except essential

workers for COVID-19

workers for COVID-19Closed (Distance learning)

Closed(Someschoolsconducteddistance learning)
Selling
Masks/Disinfection
Gels-Under the control of the government- Hard to buy or prices went up(before and during lockdown)- Sales on an adequate price (afterlockdown)

Wearing- Not encouraged at the beginning.

- Encouraged, but not legislated.

/Distributing- Became compulsory to wear one on- There is a culture of wearing masks

Masks

public transport (after lockdown).

even before the crisis.

- Many municipalities distributed- The government provided two masks

masks to residents.

for each household.

Encouraged

Encouraged

Washing Hands

In order to confront increasing cases of COVID-19 in France, President Emmanuel Macron, through a televised
addressed the nation on 12 March2, announced that all schools and universities would be closed from 16 March. In
view of this measure, he guaranteed that the Government would extend economic and financial support to those who
would be temporarily unemployed.

2

Ambassade de France à Tokyo:https://jp.ambafrance.org/article15553

2However, the situation got worse rapidly, and the French governmentannounced that the current situation was on Phase 3 of the epidemic and all theshops except grocery stores, fuel stations, banks, and pharmacies would beclosed from the midnight of 14 March.
Again, on 16 March, President Macron spoke to the nation3. He said, “We
are at war with COVID-19”, thereby declaring a 15-day lockdown from 17March.
Following the declaration, gathering of people including friends andfamilies was banned. People can go out only for the following: to shop for
essential items (keeping 1 meter physical distance), to work if your work isessential and cannot be done from home, to do physical exercise maximum ofFig. 2 Form (Attestation)

one hour (within 1km of your home), and to report for urgent medical appointment
and for vital family reasons carrying a form (Fig. 2) filled with necessary information. Violating an order incurs apenalty of 135 euro or more.

Fig. 3 Publication for COVID-19 in France4（Physical distance in France is 1 meter）

3-1. Economic Measures
In the first televised addressed presented by President Macron on 12 March, he guaranteed payroll for parents

34

Ambassade de France à Tokyo:https://jp.ambafrance.org/article15565
Le Gouvernement de la République française: https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus

3and other employees on leave as he announced the closure of nursery schools, elementary and junior high schools,
high schools, and colleges from 16 March. In response to this statement, many workers were able to stay home
without commuting to workplace (the compensation for partial unemployment is about 84% of salaries).
In the second speech of the President on 16 March, he announced that the government guaranteed up to 300
billion euro including: deferment of tax and social security payments; extension of repayment of bank loans;extension of payment of taxes, social insurance, water, electricity and gas bills and rent for small business enterprises
at risk; expanded the ideas of partial unemployment; and set up a national solidarity fund for entrepreneurs, craftsmen,and merchants.
During the third address made by the President on 13 April 20205, he announced that maintaining protective
measures for workers and businesses (partial unemployment, financing), special plans/exceptions forcontribution/special assistance for industries affected by the crisis over the long term (tourism, food, hotels, culture,events, etc.), and special assistance for low-income families with children, and students in unstable situations. In
addition, special allowance would be provided to essential workers including health care professionals and public
servants who have been tackling the virus.
Furthermore, on 24 April 2020, the French authority announced a historic funding to the Air France-KLM Groupand Air France to help overcome the crisis. With this funding, the authority demanded the group’s commitment toinstitute economic, financial, and environmental transformations.63-2. School Education
The closure of all schools from 16 March was announced by President Macron on his first address made on 12March. On the same day, the Minister of National Education stated that education wouldn’t be disrupted by this crisis,
but would be continued remotely. After these announcements, not only school officials, but television companies
joined the seamless efforts to continue education remotely in France.
In the case of my son who goes to a primary school, his teacher provided distance learning, but not online
learning. The teacher of my son sent us each day instruction for a coming week by email, and tasks and materials areavailable on online bulletin board sites. Then parents need to print them out and children work on them every day.
The materials include audio, movie, and online materials.
A week passed after the lockdown, she contacted all the parents of her class and asked to fill in a questionnaire
form for providing better distance learning from the weeks after. Reflecting the survey result, she modified the ways
to provide tasks to students and it continued onward. She also introduced online classes sometimes to confirm
progress made by children, to see if children have any questions or provide theme-specific lessons to those who need
to be explained better.

56

Ambassade de France à Tokyo: https://jp.ambafrance.org/article15653
JETRO: https://www.jetro.go.jp/biznews/2020/04/e1b52a5700f7c0da.html

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I have been very impressed with her efforts to continue education for her students even in this crisis. At myson’s school, most parents are satisfied with actions taken by our school and appreciated their efforts for committing
to teach their students every day.
On the other hand, some problems on distance learning have been pointed out by the authorities, which include
losing contacts of 5-8 % of school children (due to neglect from parents, etc.)7and increasing education gap dependingon families (families in poverty, lack of IT environment, immigration families, etc.) during the crisis. Personally, I
thought this distance learning is also creating such gaps due to teacher’s capacities for utilizing various IT tools.
From my observation, however, French education system has equipped a basis to start distance learning and toresponse to this crisis, compared to the Japanese education system.

3-3. Environment
As with other cities and towns in the world, my town suddenly became very quiet without any noise of cars,
airplanes or people, especially during the first week of the lockdown. In my town, situated just next to Geneva airportof Switzerland, we saw many airplanes on the ground, not in the air. Right after economic activities halted, air became
clear and environment was improved.
On the other hand, we have been witnessing a lot of garbage of masks and plastic gloves, which are a newcustom in Europe, on streets. In addition, more plastics, which Europe has been tackling hard to minimize its use,
have been used more in supermarkets to protect foods from the virus.

Fig. 4 Many masks on street!

3-4. Support for arts and culture
During the lockdown, I believe that many people were helped by the power of arts and cultures and people
realized its importance. On 6 May, President Macron announced the support measures for arts and culture sectors.
He called for a 12-month extension to France's special unemployment benefits for actors, performers, musicians andtechnicians, a scheme designed to protect them in the downtime between jobs, establishment of a foundation to7

AFPBB: https://www.afpbb.com/articles/-/3276399

5support films and dramas which are cancelled to shoot.83-5. Domestic violence（DV）
One of the concerns of the French government during the lockdown was increasing cases of domestic violence(DV). The reasons of DVs vary from families which had problems before the lockdown to violence which stems
from the stress of this crisis. According to the French authorities, there are 30% more reports on the first week after
the lockdown in Paris compared to the normal time and they showed a great concern for the increasing numbers ofcases.9 In order to protect victims, the French government strengthened the roles of the organizations10 working for
stopping DV. At the end of March 2020, the government also developed a new system to protect DV victims bydesignating pharmacies in making emergency calls to the police on behalf of victims when they come there and say
a “code” for help.

3-6. Solidarité
Although France is famous for individualism and liberalism, I could see a lot of people trying to help each otherand extending support to those vulnerable during the crisis. People used the word “Solidarité” (Solidarity) to
overcome the crisis together. In my estate, we created a list of people who need supports and people who can offer
support and then residents can contact each other if they need help. In addition, I could hear applause at 20:00 every
day during the lockdown to show their appreciations and solidarity for essential workers.

4. Easing the lockdown
After showing a decreasing trend of the number of cases and patients in intensive care, the French government
started easing the lockdown. The government is lifting restrictions step by step as follows (only the major items arelisted). Continued telework arrangement is recommended if you can work from home.

4-1. Phase I（from 11 May to 1 June）11
Lifting restrictions based on zones

France is divided into two zones (green zone and red zone) according to the suspected presence of the virus,
the ability of hospitals to cope with patients in need of intensive care, and the availability of tests for people
showing symptoms. As of 10 May, the regions including Paris and Strasbourg, which are in red zone, havedifferent measure for easing confinement (Fig 5).

Bureau Consulaire du Japon à Lyon: https://www.lyon.fr.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00037.html
Le Monde: https://www.lemonde.fr/societe/article/2020/03/27/confinement-un-dispositif-d-alerte-dans-les-pharmaciespour-les-femmes-violentees_6034583_3224.html
10Arrêtons les violences: https://arretonslesviolences.gouv.fr
11
Ambassade du Japon en France: https://www.fr.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/coronavirus_00043.html
896

Fig.5 French map divided into two colours as of 7 May12



Freedom of movement within 100km from home

You can travel 100 km from home without a form. People who want to go beyond 100 km would still needtheir travel authorisations and only in case of emergencies. The fine for violation is 135 euro.
Allowing gatherings of up to 10 peopleReopening of parks and libraries (only in green zone)Public transport in Paris

Public transportation in Paris returns to 75% of regular service. Those travelling at rush hour are required tosupply a certificate from their employer justifying the trip.
Wearing masks

All passengers on public transport nationwide are required to wear masks or risk a 135 euro fine.
Gradual reopening of schools

After 11 May, kindergartens, creches, and primary schools are opening gradually. It is not a compulsory, but
voluntary for each family. At first, students in Grand section, CP and CM2 are going back to school. The
priority goes to students that have difficulties with distance learning and those students whose parents are
essential workers. In green zones, secondary schools opened on 18 May and students have to wear masks.
Test

After 11 May, there was enough capacity to conduct PCR test in France, and the cost of testing is coveredby the national health insurance.

Ministère des Solidarités et de la Santé: https://solidarites-sante.gouv.fr/soins-et-maladies/maladies/maladiesinfectieuses/coronavirus/etat-des-lieux-et-actualites/article/indicateurs-de-l-activite-epidemique127

4-2. Phase 2 (From 2 to 21 June）13I'Île-de-France (including Paris), Mayotte et la Guyane are in orange zone, but other regions are in greenzone.

All schools across France reopen. High school also reopen partially starting from the ones in green zone.

Café, restaurants and bars reopen. Those in orange zone is able to open only the part of outside terrace.

All parks in France reopen. Beaches, museums, historical monuments resume the service.

Lifting the travel within 100km



Coordinating the border opening with neighboring countries from 15 JuneDevelopment of the StopCovid mobile phone application14
StopCovid is designed to alert users who may have been in contact with someone infected by COVID-19.
Complementary use only. Personal information and privacies are protected as it provides others anonymous
user codes only, which will be saved for a certain period. No GPS function to be used. The government
cannot access to the data. The app is available for free from 2 June on a voluntary basis. In case users havebeen within one meter of patients for at least 15 minutes, alerts will be sent to the phone.

4-3. Phase III (from 22 June)
Restrictions will be further lifted taking into account the situations.

5. Towards a New Normal
After 8-week lockdown, life style, customs, and society in France changed
drastically.
French people used to think that masks are for sick people and those whowork at hospitals. I had never seen people wearing masks even in the season offlu. However, as the virus started going around France, many people started
wearing masks and gloves to protect themselves, especially during shopping evenat the time that the government didn’t recommend to wear one. In addition, many
local governments have started distributing masks to residents since it became
mandatory to wear masks in public transport.
We can also see some changes in culture and customs, such as “bise” andfresh “baguettes”. I don’t see people making greetings with bises (kisses) anymore

Fig. 6 Distributed mask by thein public places. Also French people go and buy fresh “baguettes” every day

local government of(depending on people though), but now people don’t go for bakery every day justRhône-Alpes1314

Ambassade du Japon en France: https://www.fr.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/seigensochikanwa-20200528.html
Le Gouvernement de la République française: https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus/stopcovid

8Auvergne-to buy one baguette. I presume people are giving up eating fresh baguettes or buying more than one baguette to avoid
going out to shop many times.
Schools started gradually, however there are many restrictions imposed in schools such as maximum 15 students
in a class, breaks taken separately by each class, students going into and out of a school one bye one. From now onto the end of school year at the beginning of July, it is the time for teachers and students to get used to a new normal
at French school.
Furthermore, the ways of this year’s vacance for summer look like changing. People are not trying to go far byairplanes and enjoy travelling within the country or the nearby countries.
Experiencing a new normal in France, however, I could see some moves which France is trying to take it achance to make better society. The French government started pushing environmental issues further as it has beenpromoting it as one of the first policy agendas. As mentioned above, the government demanded the Air France-KLM
group to strengthen their environmental measures in exchange with historic financial support to the airline company.
In addition, as the Ministry of Environment announced on 30 April 2020 15 , along with the start of easing therestrictions, the government allocated a budget of 20 million euro for avoiding congestion of public transports used
for commuting to work and school, as well as to promote the use of bicycles as an eco-friendly transportation means.
The budget includes the subsidy for providing 50 euros to allocate the cost of repairing personal bicycles, thedevelopment of roads dedicated to bicycles, the development of bicycle parking lots, and the assistance of employeesof companies promoting bicycle commuting and car sharing to 400 euro per person. Furthermore, the government
demanded automobile industries to become the biggest clean car industry in Europe in exchange with providing 8billion euro support.16
For the support for arts and cultural sector, the government is planning to support young artists, collaboratingwith schools to provide summer cultural programs for kids. There are many new ideas coming up.
Lastly, I have noticed that there are a lot of criticisms against the government’s handling of COVID-19 in France
as there are in other countries as well. However, as a Japanese residing in France, I believe that there are some things
that Japan or the Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) sector could learn from France’s response to and recovery fromCOVID-19, such as rapid decision/policy making, government’s accountability to the nation, commitment to theright to receive an education, and Build Back Better (BBB).

（As of 2 June 2020）

Ministère de la Transition écologique et solidaire: https://www.ecologique-solidaire.gouv.fr/sortie-du-confinementministere-transition-ecologique-et-solidaire-annonce-plan-20-millions-deuros
16
Ambassade de France à Tokyo: https://jp.ambafrance.org/article15766
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