Lockdown Extension: France Reveals The Only Condition To Relax Lockdown After May 11

Due to the increase in the death toll in France, caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, French President, Emmanuel Macron, a few hours ago declared that the lockdown which kick-started since March 17 in the nation will now span through another complete month, that is; it would continue through May 11 until the virus subsided.

President Macron made the announcement on Monday evening while addressing the nation in Paris, Naija News understands.

This online news platform is aware that death toll in France as at now has hits 15,000 following the outbreak of Coronavirus in the nation.

However, Macron has apologized to the French citizens for not being fully prepared to combat the global pandemic.

He noted that after the one-month extension, the lockdown may be relaxed if only the people comply with the order all through.

He said: “From May 11, there will be the gradual reopening of schools, crèches, colleges and high schools but larger public events, stadiums, restaurants, cafes and bars aren’t expected to open before mid-July.”

“The relaxation of the lockdown rules will only be possible if we continue to be responsible in respecting the rules.

“The epidemic is starting to slow down. The results are there. Thanks to your efforts, every day we have made progress. Mistakes were earlier made, were we sufficiently prepared? Obviously not – no one is prepared for a crisis of this magnitude.”

He added, “Macron further assured residents that the country will do its best to win the battle against COVID-19.”

In another development, the board of the International Monetary Fund approved $500 million through the IMF Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust to cancel 6 months of debt service for poorest countries.

The countries include; Afghanistan, Benin, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, D.R., The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Nepal, Niger, Rwanda, São Tomé and Príncipe, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, Tajikistan, Togo and Yemen.