France to lift COVID-19 restrictions in stages starting this week
France will begin lifting its COVID-19 restrictions this week, President Emmanuel Macron announced.
"The peak of the second wave of the epidemic has passed," Macron said Tuesday during an address to the nation, but warned the virus remains "very present" in France.
The president outlined three stages of opening. Starting Saturday, all businesses can reopen until 9 p.m., and at-home services, such as hairdressers, can resume. Religious services up to 30 people will be permitted, and more outdoor activity will be allowed. Residents still need permission slips to leave their homes.
The country's lockdown could end by Dec. 15 if COVID-19 cases are below 5,000 per day, Macron said. At that stage, residents will no longer need permission slips to move about, including between regions, and can celebrate family holidays. Cinemas, theaters and museums will be able to reopen, and a nightly curfew will operate from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.
By Jan. 20, if cases are below 5,000 per day, restaurants, bars, cafes and gyms can reopen, and the curfew will be reduced. High schools will also fully reopen for in-person learning, followed by universities 15 days later.
Authorities are working to make testing more efficient, with the goal of having test results within 24 hours by Jan. 20, Macron said.
The president also announced financial support for those affected by lockdowns; restaurants, bars, nightclubs and sports halls can receive 20% of their turnover for the year 2019, if it is more than the 10,000 euros, from the existing "solidarity fund."
ABC News' Ibtissem Guenfoud contributed to this report