France: Authorities expand stricter curfew to eight other departments from Jan. 10; two more departments from Jan. 12 /update 29

Event

Authorities in France have announced the expansion of the stricter 1800-0600 curfew to eight other departments beginning Jan. 10 due to rising coronavirus disease (COVID-19) activity. The affected departments are Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Bas-Rhin, Bouches-du-Rhone, Cher, Cote-d'Or, Haut-Rhin, l'Allier, and Vaucluse. Officials in two other departments - Drome and Var - will also impose the same 1800-0600 curfew beginning Jan. 12. Reports indicate the measures will be in place for at least 15 days.

Authorities are maintaining tighter entry restrictions for travelers from the UK until further notice in efforts to control the spread of a new strain of COVID-19 active in England. Most travelers from the UK remain barred from entry. Officials are allowing entry for French citizens and citizens of the European Economic Area (EEA), as well as permanent residents of the EU and individuals who are engaging in essential travel. Such individuals must produce proof of a negative COVID-19 test result no older than 72 hours before departure.

Under most circumstances, travelers from EU and Schengen Area states, as well as those from Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Rwanda, Singapore, Switzerland, South Korea, and Thailand, can enter France. Most travelers from other locations remain barred from entry; however, exceptions are made for French nationals and residents, as well as for persons traveling for what authorities deem to be essential reasons, such as certain necessary workers, diplomats, students, and those visiting for urgent family business. All such arrivals must complete a form declaring themselves to be COVID-19-free and present a certificate declaring their reason for travel.

Permitted travelers arriving from Algeria, Bahrain, China, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, Iraq, Iran, Israel, Lebanon, Morocco, Panama, South Africa, Russia, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, the US, and Zimbabwe must present proof of having tested negative for COVID-19 within 72 hours before boarding their flights. Permitted arrivals from other countries must meet the same condition, take a test on arrival, and self-isolate until the result is known or for 14 days.

Domestic Restrictions
A 2000-0600 curfew is in effect nationwide through at least Jan. 20. A stricter 1800-0600 curfew is in effect in 15 departments in the eastern part of the country, including Hautes-Alpes, Alpes-Maritimes, Ardennes, Doubs, Jura, Marne, Haute-Marne, Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Haute-Saone, Vosges, Territoire de Belfort, Moselle, Nievre, and Saone-et-Loire departments, due to higher COVID-19 activity. The 1800-0600 curfew will also be in effect in eight additional departments - Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, Bas-Rhin, Bouches-du-Rhone, Cher, Cote-d'Or, Haut-Rhin, l'Allier, and Vaucluse - beginning Jan. 10, and two other departments - Drome and Var - from Jan. 12.

Individuals may leave their home for any reason and without a certificate during non-curfew hours. Residents may leave their homes during curfew hours for limited exceptional purposes only; they must fill out a certificate to present to authorities on request. Cultural sites and sports and leisure facilities remain closed until at least Feb. 1; bars and restaurants will remain closed until mid-February. Public gatherings of more than six people remain prohibited. Facemasks remain mandatory in enclosed public spaces nationwide, including in shared workspaces; a number of local jurisdictions, including Paris, also require their use in outdoor public spaces.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.

Resources

Government of France Coronavirus Information
Exceptional Travel Certificate
World Health Organization (WHO)