On the agenda: What's happening in France this week?
Here's a look ahead to what is happening in France in the week beginning April 12th.
Monday, April 12th
The Covid vaccine rollout opens up to a new section of the population - those aged 55 and over with no health issues. Monday also marks the first delivery to France of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and a change of policy on the second-dose of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines - these will now be given six weeks after the first dose, as opposed to three weeks after. The spacing of the second dose of AstraZeneca remains at 12 weeks.
READ ALSO How to book an appointment for a Covid vaccine in France
Home-testing kits for Covid are available to buy from pharmacies.
The start of the two-week Easter holiday for schools across France. Normally schools in different regions have different holiday dates, but this year the government has moved the holiday dates for the whole country to run from April 12th to April 23rd. This was preceded by one week of home-learning for all pupils, in the hopes that the total three-week closure of schools would halt growing Covid rates.
Judicial proceedings begin in Marseille of 12 former police officers for theft of drugs and money.
Tuesday, April 13th
Presentation to the Senate of the plan to reopen cultural spaces such as cinemas, theatres and museums, which have all been closed since October under health restrictions. The plan includes several 'experimental' concerts in Paris and Marseille and is part of the wider plan to begin re-opening things including cultural sites and bars from mid-May, health situation permitting.
Start of Ramadan.
Wednesday, April 14th
Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti presents to Cabinet his project to reform the processes of the French justice system, including filmed court hearings, the abolition of automatic sentence-reduction credits and an increased emphasis on mediation to solve civil disputes. The minister, who before he joined the government was a high-profile lawyer whose clients included Julian Assange, said he hopes the changes will "restore the confidence of our fellow citizens in justice".
READ ALSO: ‘I have to vomit’: Five things to know about France's controversial justice minister
Thursday, April 15th
Final reading in the Assemblée nationale of the security bill loi sécurité globale. This proved highly controversial when first announced, particularly the clause that would criminalise publication of images of police offices where there is an intent to harm their "physical or psychological integrity". There have been widespread protests over the law, which many believe will limit the ability of journalists and members of the public to expose police officers who are engaged in violent or racist behaviour.
EXPLAINED The French law that would restrict photos and videos of police officers
Thursday evening will also see the regular weekly update from the Health Ministry on the Covid situation. Since the nationwide 'partial lockdown' has been in place for less than two weeks there are not expected to be any new measures announced at this briefing.
Friday, April 16th
By the end of the week, Assurance maladie aims to have contacted by letter, phone or text message all over-75s in France who have not yet been vaccinated or made an appointment to get the vaccine. Over 75s have been eligible for a vaccine since January and the health insurer will be contacting those who are not yet vaccinated to invite them to make an appointment and, if necessary, help them find an appointment slot near them.
Online screening by Lost in Frenchlation, the cinema club that shows French films with English subtitles. The screening of Ne Croyez Surtout Pas Que je Hurle’ (Just Don’t Think I’ll Scream) start at 8pm and is followed by a Q&A with the director - full details here.
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Monday, April 12th
The Covid vaccine rollout opens up to a new section of the population - those aged 55 and over with no health issues. Monday also marks the first delivery to France of the one-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine and a change of policy on the second-dose of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines - these will now be given six weeks after the first dose, as opposed to three weeks after. The spacing of the second dose of AstraZeneca remains at 12 weeks.
READ ALSO How to book an appointment for a Covid vaccine in France
Home-testing kits for Covid are available to buy from pharmacies.
The start of the two-week Easter holiday for schools across France. Normally schools in different regions have different holiday dates, but this year the government has moved the holiday dates for the whole country to run from April 12th to April 23rd. This was preceded by one week of home-learning for all pupils, in the hopes that the total three-week closure of schools would halt growing Covid rates.
Judicial proceedings begin in Marseille of 12 former police officers for theft of drugs and money.
Tuesday, April 13th
Presentation to the Senate of the plan to reopen cultural spaces such as cinemas, theatres and museums, which have all been closed since October under health restrictions. The plan includes several 'experimental' concerts in Paris and Marseille and is part of the wider plan to begin re-opening things including cultural sites and bars from mid-May, health situation permitting.
Start of Ramadan.
Wednesday, April 14th
Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti presents to Cabinet his project to reform the processes of the French justice system, including filmed court hearings, the abolition of automatic sentence-reduction credits and an increased emphasis on mediation to solve civil disputes. The minister, who before he joined the government was a high-profile lawyer whose clients included Julian Assange, said he hopes the changes will "restore the confidence of our fellow citizens in justice".
READ ALSO: ‘I have to vomit’: Five things to know about France's controversial justice minister
Thursday, April 15th
Final reading in the Assemblée nationale of the security bill loi sécurité globale. This proved highly controversial when first announced, particularly the clause that would criminalise publication of images of police offices where there is an intent to harm their "physical or psychological integrity". There have been widespread protests over the law, which many believe will limit the ability of journalists and members of the public to expose police officers who are engaged in violent or racist behaviour.
EXPLAINED The French law that would restrict photos and videos of police officers
Thursday evening will also see the regular weekly update from the Health Ministry on the Covid situation. Since the nationwide 'partial lockdown' has been in place for less than two weeks there are not expected to be any new measures announced at this briefing.
Friday, April 16th
By the end of the week, Assurance maladie aims to have contacted by letter, phone or text message all over-75s in France who have not yet been vaccinated or made an appointment to get the vaccine. Over 75s have been eligible for a vaccine since January and the health insurer will be contacting those who are not yet vaccinated to invite them to make an appointment and, if necessary, help them find an appointment slot near them.
Online screening by Lost in Frenchlation, the cinema club that shows French films with English subtitles. The screening of Ne Croyez Surtout Pas Que je Hurle’ (Just Don’t Think I’ll Scream) start at 8pm and is followed by a Q&A with the director - full details here.
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