Partial lockdown

Just now, the French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe has announced live on TV ‘Stage three of the epidemic’, meaning a complete shutdown of non-essential public establishments such as bars, restaurants, shops, discotheques, gyms, and cinemas in the whole of France.

This is now a situation knocking on the same door as measures implemented recently by Italy and Spain – but not a complete lockdown yet, as public transport here in France is yet to be stopped, and churches are still open – though not to services or weddings.

Report – Saturday 14 March

Following on from my last post here health care professionals with children of school age will now no longer be allowed to stay at home to care for their children… the government is ready to implement a ‘skeleton’ service for creche, school, and college pupils so that health care professional parents can continue to work.

A good decision I think. This will ease the burden of losing staff needed to keep the care system going. I am fortunate to live and work in such a sensible country.

However, what baffles me is that the country has decided to still go ahead with its municipal elections tomorrow. What? Why? When the government just announces an almost complete lockdown of the Republic in the attempt to avoid spreading the virus, what logic dictates millions of people standing in lines and entering enclosed spaces to cast a vote?

Surely better to delay the vote?

I imagine many French citizens will be angry about this: “Sure, we can’t go the bar or restaurant because of spreading the virus, but we are still expected to vote, and risk spreading the virus?!?

Some overall positives

• Good containment measures.
• Measures implemented to ensure health care professionals have child care so they can continue to work.
• Supermarkets, pharmacies, newsagents, and public transport still open to the public.
• Possible decrease in air pollution due to less traffic and industry.

Negatives

• I feel sorry for those now plunged into worry because their businesses are no longer able to operate. I hope the French government offers many financial packages to support people like this during the pandemic.
• I hope measures are put into place to limit the panic-buying of goods.

I’m off shopping tomorrow morning – but only for a baguette and a couple of croissants. Should be okay for those at least 🙂

Wash, rinse, repeat:

Remember, the best way to stay germ-free is to wash your hands frequently and correctly…

Post paused briefly as I go and wash my hands…

This is an excellent way to wash your hands correctly. I currently work in the French health care system and have spent years working for the NHS in the UK. The above method is also approved by WHO, and is the one I’ve always used.

Dear readers…

Thank you for your messages of support from my last post. I haven’t got round to acknowledging them fully yet, but reading them cheered me up. You are already fine ambassadors of the above infographic!

I’m not too worried tbh, even now, while France has just gone into almost full lockdown. I believe with everyone playing their part, with patience and understanding, support, coordination, and empathy to those affected, everyone can get through this the world over 🙂

#Belief #BeKind

Again, please be beware of fake news, and any email scams offering advice and info about Coronavirus.

For the most accurate and up to date information regarding all aspects of Coronavirus, go to the World Health Organization website 

Thanks for reading. Until next time, everyone stay safe.

Disclaimer. This report is meant to offer an overview of the fluid impact upon a care worker in the French medical system. No names of any persons or institutions are given, and the reportage here concerns decisions made at a French national level which is available to the public at any time. No breach of confidentiality or professional workplace standards is made or implied. Any health advice stated here is exactly the same as that given by the World Health Oraganization public advice pages