How France plans to ease its lockdown

French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday the worst of the COVID-19 second wave was over in France, and announced the start of a phased easing of lockdown restrictions.

The progression from one phase to the next will be contingent on coronavirus transmission rates staying on a downward trajectory, he said.

Below are details of the plan Macron unveiled in a televised address to the nation:

PHASE ONE – FROM NOV. 28

* Lockdown will remain in place, but people will be able to exercise outside for three hours a day, versus the one hour at the moment, and within a 20 km radius of their homes, versus the 1 km radius allowed now.

* Shops selling non-essential good such as clothes, shoes and toys will be allowed to re-open

* Indoor religious services will be allowed to resume, but the number of worshippers will be capped at 30 people.

PHASE TWO – FROM DEC. 15

* Lockdown is lifted

* A curfew will be in place between the hours of 9:00 pm and 7:00 am daily.

*Cinemas and theatres will be allowed to re-open

PHASE THREE – FROM JAN. 20

* Bars, restaurants and cafes can re-open

* Universities can resume in-person teaching

* Gyms can re-open

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