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These are the rules for sport and exercising in France after May 11th

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These are the rules for sport and exercising in France after May 11th
Joggers will be allowed jog again without restrictions as of May 11th, although beaches may remain closed. Photo: AFP

On May 11th, France will loosen up restrictions on individual exercise and sport. Here's a look at what will be allowed and what will remain forbidden for the time being.

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The French Sports Ministry on Thursday released a plan for how restrictions on physical exercise will begin to be lifted in France on May 11th, the date the country begins to lift the lockdown.

The nationwide lockdown has imposed strict rules on physical exercise, limiting all outside activity to one hour maximum and within 1km of the home.

Cycling for exercise purposes has not been permitted since the lockdown began on March 17th, although cycling to work or the shops is still permitted.

In Paris jogging is not allowed between 10am and 7pm.

Starting May 11th, this will change, although as with everything there could be additional local restrictions.

Here's a look at what the government has in mind so far. 

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From May 11th

The general public will be able to run, walk and cycle outside again without having to limit themselves to one hour or staying 1km from their home. This will not require a permission form. There are some limits to the new rules:

  • The sport must be practiced outside
  • People must limit themselves to a distance of 100km from home
  • All activity must be practiced at a distance of 10m from other people (this goes for individual exercise like jogging, cycling or hiking)
  • For people practicing sports like tennis, yoga, or other outdoor fitness practices there must be at least four square metres per person

The sports ministry will release a more details soon regarding these practices.

All contact sports and team sports will however forbidden until further notice. The sports ministry will present a full list of all sports that will be concerned by this ban. 

All activity must be done outside. Gyms and indoor sports pitches will remain closed in this period.

Locker rooms will need to remain closed in the event that they are made available for outdoor sports.

Starting May 11th, cyclists will be able to cycle for fun again. Photo: AFP

All these new measures will be subject to a reevaluation before June 2nd, which is the date the government has outlined for "phase 2," the next phase of the lifting of the lockdown.

What happens in phase 2 depends on how phase 1 (May 11th to June 2nd) goes.

READ ALSO This is France's plan for lifting lockdown

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Professional athletes - will be able to resume training after a health check, but only individually and respecting the rules of social distancing listed above.

Professional sports clubs  - The Prime Minister has said that professional sports cannot recommence before September at the earliest.

The French football league (LFP) is expected to formally end its season after calling a board meeting on Thursday afternoon, sources told AFP, clearing the way for Paris Saint-Germain to be declared champions again.
 
The meeting follows Edouard Philippe's announcement that "professional sports leagues, notably football, cannot restart" because of the risks linked to the coronavirus pandemic.
 
The Top 14 rugby union league also reached an agreement to abandon the season for the Top 14 and Pro D2 leagues.
 
"We propose to declare that this 2019-2020 season is at an end and focus on organising the launch of the 2020-2021 editions of the two championships from September 2020," the LNR added in a statement.

The sports ministry said it is working with local sports association to adapt health practices to fit with each sports discipline and different areas.

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Anonymous 2020/04/30 20:45
Will course fishing be allowed after 11th May
Anonymous 2020/04/24 04:05
When will the Luxembourg Gardens reopen for running?
Anonymous 2020/04/23 17:50
Is there any reports on taking vacations in July and August within France?
Anonymous 2020/04/23 17:35
This is great news. Has there been any discussion about when water activities such as sailing might be allowed again?

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