April Fool? No!

April Fool? No! I have to wonder if that's why President Macron addressed the nation last night, instead of today...

We in France have some new rules - we are entering our 3rd confinement, triggered by these data:

This doesn't even tell the whole story - most of French hospitals are at (or beyond) ICU capacity, and we're seeing quite a rise in the more-contagious-more-deadly variants. We have 3 approved vaccines, and the most plentiful one, AstraZeneca, has been plagued with problems - and (AND!) has no proof that it is effective at all against the South Africa type of variant.

We already have very strict travel rules in place. For example, an American can leave France, but unless it falls under a very limited set of reasons, there's no guarantee he will be let back in (even if he has a residence permit or French (dual) citizenship). One reason allowed, just to give you the idea, is a death or life-threatening illness of someone in your direct line (so, a parent, but not a parent-in-law). Besides stating the reason, you also have to provide proof (e.g., a death certificate, and proof of your relationship). Incredibly, I still see posts from people who expect to claim that they need a mental health break - it's as if they can't read at all - or have selective blindness...

Well! So, our new confinement starts Saturday, with these rules:

1. You are limited to travel within 10 km of your residence during the day and you must carry proof of address. 
2. Interregional travel is banned beginning the evening of April 5. (That's Easter Monday, if anyone is counting)
3. Non-essential services are closed for the month of April. 
4. Schools will move to distance learning the week of April 5, and spring break for schools nationwide is moved to April 12-23. Preschools and elementary schools are scheduled to reopen in-person April 26, while middle and high school classes will return to distance learning until May 3. 
5. Limited social gatherings of up to six people are allowed outside. 
6. Any travel beyond 10 km during the day requires an approved reason as listed on an attestation form.
7. During the nightly curfew (7 p.m. - 6 a.m.), you may only leave your residence for commuting to and from work, medical appointments, essential family duties such as caring for children or the elderly, walking a pet, or other limited reasons and you must carry an exemption certificate.