All businesses of France are waiting for Macron’s decision on lockdown. On Tuesday, the presidential address is to include details of the COVID-19 restrictions to be applied over the coming weeks, France24 reported.
In France, economic activity fell sharply this month, but not by as much as during the first lockdown earlier. While the national statistics office Insee expects the French economy to shrink by 9-10 per cent in 2020, the French businesses are waiting for Macron’s address.
In his speech Tuesday, Macron is expected to announce an adjustment of restrictions that have been in place since October 30. What is at stake is adapting lockdown rules as the epidemiological situation improves while avoiding a new flare-up in the pandemic.
For France, it will be no surprise that there will be three steps to lockdown easing. Taking into account the health situation and of risks tied to some businesses, step 1 around December 1 as earliest.
Last month, the French President said the second national lockdown would last at least four weeks. That meant the closure of non-essential stores, restaurants and bars. What kind of schedule Macron has planned for Christmas period, it is still unknown.
