Immigration update: France | COVID-19, closure of schools

Measures and restrictions due to COVID-19: closure of schools until further notice

As the COVID-19 is spreading in France, President Macron announced on 12 March that all kindergarten, schools and universities will be closed on a national level from 16 March and until further notice.

People aged +70 are also invited to remain at home as much as possible, and limit contacts with others.

COVID-19 is highly contagious and small children can be healthy carriers of the virus, which is more dangerous for old people. Accordingly, whenever possible parents should try not to give the care of their children to the grandparents, as the elderly are specifically the people this measure aims at protecting.

Department of Education said they will ensure continuity of education as much as possible, by e-learning programs.

Parents forced to stay at home are invited to e-work, and those who can’t will be paid by social security until schools reopen.

Minimum child care will be organized for children whose parents are key to fight the virus, such as medical staff.

By closing schools, French government is trying to avoid the spread of the virus to a proportion where the health system couldn’t cope.

This closing is expected to last for at least 3 weeks, when the 2-week Spring holiday will start for some areas.

In parallel, President Macron confirmed that a decision to close the frontiers may only be taken on a European level.

The current measures accordingly have no impact on the ability to travel to France, but will certainly be disrupting daily-life in the country, for business travellers as well as future and current assignees. Please take this into consideration when planning to or travelling to France.

If you have any queries, please feel free to contact us

Alexandra Demeure
Immigration Manager
Alexandra.demeure@santaferelo.com

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