Europe

Paris under tighter restrictions in French plan to ease lockdown

Majority of primary schools to reopen and wider travel permitted from Monday

French prime minister Edouard Philippe presents the details for the easing of the country’s lockdown at the Hotel Matignon in Paris. Photograph: Christophe Archambault/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
French prime minister Edouard Philippe presents the details for the easing of the country’s lockdown at the Hotel Matignon in Paris. Photograph: Christophe Archambault/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
Lara Marlowe Paris Correspondent
Thu May 07 2020 - 20:29

French prime minister Edouard Philippe warned against "letting our guard down" when the country eases coronavirus lockdown restrictions next Monday.

Speaking at a press conference with the ministers of health, transport, the interior, education and the economy, Mr Philippe used a coloured map to illustrate how France has been cut in two by the Covid-19 epidemic.

The northeastern third of the country was shown in red, indicating that the virus is still circulating there, hospitals remain under pressure and the need for testing is substantial.