France: Authorities tighten COVID-19 restrictions in Dunkirk from Feb. 26 /update 35

Event

Authorities in France will tighten COVID-19 restrictions in Dunkirk from 1800 Feb. 26 due to high infection rates in the area. Nonessential shops with an area over 5,000 square meters (53,819 square feet) must close and wearing a facemask is compulsory in public areas. Additionally, a weekend curfew is in place from 1800 Friday-0600 Monday during which time individuals may only leave their homes for limited exceptional purposes, including shopping for essentials, medical purposes, and exercise taken within 5 km (3.1 miles) of their home. The measures apply in the urban community of Dunkirk and the Communaute de Communes des Hauts de Flandre. Authorities previously imposed the same tighter measures in the Alpes-Maritimes Department from Feb. 22, with the new measures applying to urban coastal municipalities between Menton and Theoule-sur-Mer, including Nice.

Previously, authorities extended the COVID-19-related state of health emergency until at least June 1; the measure allows authorities to impose restrictive measures intended to combat the spread of the disease. The following restrictions remain in effect nationwide as of Feb. 26:

• The 1800-0600 nightly curfew remains in place nationwide. During noncurfew hours, individuals may leave their homes for any reason without written justification. However, during curfew hours, residents may only leave their homes for limited exceptional purposes. Prior to leaving, an individual must fill out an online justification certificate detailing the reason for their movement and provide it to authorities upon demand.

• Public gatherings of more than six people are prohibited.

• Individuals must work from home where possible.

• Bars, restaurants, and dining facilities will remain closed.

• Large nonessential shops are closed.

• Cultural, athletic, and leisure facilities are closed.

• Individuals are advised to maintain a physical distance of at least 2 meters (6.5 feet) from persons not in their households.

• Protective face coverings are 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.

Travel is suspended from and to countries outside the EU. Limited exceptions will be granted for essential travel. In addition, all travelers arriving from the EU will need to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test taken no more than 72 hours before departure and complete a travel declaration form. Cross-border workers and freight transporters will be exempt from the testing measure. Permitted travelers arriving from outside of the EU must meet all the requirements outlined above and must also self-isolate for seven days on arrival and take a second COVID-19 test at the end of the self-isolation period.

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.

Resources

Government of France Coronavirus Information
Certificate for Travel During Curfew Hours
International Travel Declaration
World Health Organization (WHO)