Macron just announced that the strictest phase of quarantine will continue until May 11th at the earliest. At that date, he hopes to slowly begin "déconfinement," prioritizing schools and certain businesses. He anticipates that large gatherings such as concerts or soccer matches won't happen until at least mid-July. Europe's borders may remain closed beyond mid-May. So many things are unknown and changing on a daily or even hourly basis.
France is prioritizing mask production and testing, both for current infections and for antibodies. In the very near future anyone with symptoms should be able to be tested, rather than only those who are ill enough to qualify.
Macron isn't universally loved over here--what politician is, aside from exceptional ones like Jacinda Ardern?--but his speech was moving and compassionate and thoughtful and all of the things I would expect from a nation's leader.
He acknowledged the difficulty we are all going through. He mentioned issues I feel are particularly important: acknowledging that domestic violence is on the rise due to quarantine measures, that school children without access to internet or help at home are unfairly disadvantaged, that we need to work to solve environmental issues so that we are resilient for future crises, that income inequality is a grave concern.
Most importantly, though, he stressed that we need to use this opportunity to rebuild a society that is more equitable, more just, and more compassionate.
(No photos from today, but here are two from yesterday)
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