On Tuesday 2 June, France will ease a row of previously imposed quarantine measures. French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe announced it on Thursday. In England, several measures will be relaxed from Monday 1 June.

Philippe said in a televised speech that it is “moving in the right direction with the numbers in this corona crisis,” allowing some easing from June 2 and “freedom will be the rule, prohibition the exception.”

The spread rate (the number of people infected on average by one person) is now below 1 in France, although the French prime minister emphasized that this will only remain the case if one continues to observe the rules that still apply.

All over the country, restaurants, bars and cafes will be open again from 2 June, provided they can guarantee that there is at least 1 meter between tables. In parts of the country where ‘code orange’ still applies, only the terraces are allowed to open.

The maximum travel distance of 100 kilometers will also be lifted. The French are allowed to travel freely within the borders from Tuesday. The beaches will also be reopened from June 2.

Secondary schools may open earlier than expected. Primary schools were already open in most of France.

Some measures will continue to apply until after 2 June. For example, major sports events may not be completed until June 21. Cinemas, among others, also have to wait until at least 22 June before they can open their doors again.

The French government also wants to at least partially reopen the borders with other European countries from 15 June, but is still investigating whether this is possible.

Many measures will also be relaxed in England from Monday 1 June, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced. Other countries within the UK have their own considerations.

Johnson stated that all conditions are currently met to allow for easing. For example, healthcare can handle the situation, the figures show a positive trend, there is enough test capacity and the risk of a second wave is small.

All British schools can therefore reopen from Monday, although this does happen in phases. The same goes for car dealers and outdoor stores.

Groups of six people who do not belong to the same household may also reunite, provided they keep their distance from one another. However, this is only allowed outdoors.

Johnson argued that the easings are based on scientific figures and can also be reversed if the figures give reason to do so. Nevertheless, he hopes to announce more relaxations in the coming weeks.