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HEALTH

France closes non-EU borders and tightens curfew in last chance to avoid third lockdown

A last-minute meeting of France's Defence Council has ended with no return to lockdown, although extra restrictions were put in place.

Published: 29 January 2021 17:42 CET
Updated: 29 January 2021 20:46 CET
France closes non-EU borders and tightens curfew in last chance to avoid third lockdown
French Prime Minister Jean Castex. Photo: AFP

The French government had been debating all week whether to impose another lockdown, as Covid cases continue to rise across the country and fears grow about new and more contagious variants of the virus.

But after a Friday evening meeting of the Defence Council, which makes the final decision on health restrictions in France, Prime Minister Jean Castex announced no lockdown – for now.

However other restrictions were put in place including a tightening of the travel ban and the closure of large shopping centres.

France is currently on a nighttime curfew, but on Thursday the health minister warned that it was likely not enough to curb the spread, aggravated by the new variants first discovered in the UK and South Africa.

The extra restrictions announced by the PM are;

  • A ban on all travel in and out of France from outside the EU, with an exception only for vital travel from midnight Sunday (0:00am).
  • All arrivals into France from within the EU must present a negative Covid test (previously this rule had only applied to arrivals by air and sea). Cross-border workers are exempt from this requirement 
  • From Sunday, all non-food shopping centres larger than 20,000 square metres will close
  • The protocol on home-working will be reinforced so that everyone who can work from home does so
  • Police will step up checks on compliance with curfew and crack down on illegal parties and restaurant-opening.

The current rules including the 6pm curfew will remain in place.

He added: “The question of another lockdown is legitimately raised in view of the latest data.

“We want to do everything we can to avoid another lockdown. The coming days will be decisive. Let's be very vigilant.”

Travel into France from outside the EU – including the UK – was already heavily restricted.
 
Existing travel requirements for arrivals from the UK such as PCR tests and travel forms will remain in place.

 

 

Member comments

  1. Ikea Bordeaux is 30,000m2. Is it a “shopping centre” or just a “shop.” This is serious. So many trips might be averted.

  2. 29 January 202120:46 CET+01:00 your update states : A ban on all travel in and out of France from outside the EU, with an exception only for vital travel from midnight Sunday (0:00am).
    So as UK Citizens can we not leave France after Sunday night?

  3. https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/27/us/covid-case-drop-variants-vaccines-normal/index.html

    On a good note, fingers crossed…. case and hospital numbers in the US are on a good downswing, for now. We know that for every positive case, there are 4-5 added. My brother in law tested positive, and 3 other family members got sick, but did not test, for example. Some simple math tells us that well over 100 million have had it. Add the vaccination program, some focused management, and a more coordinated federal response plan, and you can begin to see some light at the end of this POS pandemic! Private top medical sources have commented on this being the beginning of herd immunity, again, fingers crossed… Last thing Europe needs, and I still include the UK, is to shun the vax, IMHO. Polls have shown only 4 of 10 French want the vax, a little higher in Germany, if I read correctly… Retired surgeon and German/French expat here… Take care!!

  4. What are they afraid of? A full lockdown should be imposed show some backbone being a MP isn’t about having one’s ego massaged but making hard decisions that aren’t popular. Of course the real reason for not implementing a full lockdown is the school holidays are about to start so all departments will be full of holidaymakers spreading the virus around yet again.

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HEALTH

The French government scheme that helps cover the cost of therapy

The French government launched 'Mon Soutien Psy' in 2020, in an effort to help people afford psychological care. In June, the scheme will be expanded.

Published: 29 May 2024 15:03 CEST
The French government scheme that helps cover the cost of therapy

What is ‘Mon Soutien Psy’?

It is a scheme that allows anyone aged three and over who is suffering from anxiety, depression or mental distress to benefit from psychological support sessions, the cost of which is partially reimbursed by the state.

Currently, people can benefit from up to eight counselling sessions in a year with the assistance of Assurance Maladie, as long as the appointment is done with a psychologist registered to the scheme. 

Previously, it has been difficult for people to find an available psychologist due to high demand. However, with the changes coming into effect on June 15th (increasing the price per session and the number of sessions covered, as well as removing the requirement to visit a doctor for a referral beforehand), the government hopes it will be more accessible.

That being said, patients must use the psychologists who are registered with the scheme, and as a result, English-speakers may be limited.

READ MORE: Ask the expert: How to find an English-speaking therapist in France

Who can participate?

Anyone who is “anxious or depressed; feeling unwell; with a smoking, alcohol or cannabis problem; or struggling with an eating disorder” can participate.

It is not intended for patients in emergency situations – ie those risk of suicide or dealing serious psychiatric issues. They will be referred to a psychiatrist or specialised facility.

How does it work?

As things stand in May 2024, the patient must first visit a doctor. This normally would be your GP, but it can also be any other doctor ‘charged with your care’, including other local GPs, paediatricians, geriatricians, and more.

After evaluating you, the doctor can give you a referral (courrier d’adressage) to a psychologist. This step will change in June 2024, and patients will be able to consult registered psychologists directly.

You can find the list of participating psychologists (HERE) to make an appointment.

Your first session will be for evaluation purposes. The psychologist will then determine the number of follow-up sessions (up to seven, but soon to be increased to 11) based on your needs. 

How much is reimbursed?

As with other medical appointments in France, you pay the practitioner and later receive a reimbursement. 

The reimbursement rate is 60 percent, and the remaining 40 percent is either out-of-pocket or covered by your complementary healthcare plan (mutuelle).

The fist session costs €40, and the follow-up sessions currently cost €30. However, starting in June 2024, they will be increased to €50 in an attempt to attract more psychologists to participate in the scheme. They will remain reimbursed at the 60 percent rate.

READ MORE: Health insurance in France: What you need to know about a mutuelle

If you are in the following situations, then you do not have to pay anything up-front.

  • Beneficiaries of the Complémentaire santé solidaire scheme ;
  • Beneficiaries of state medical aid (AME);
  • People with disabilities or long-term illnesses (Affection de Longue Durée – ALD) 
  • Pregnant women (from the 6th month of pregnancy);
  • People under care in connection with an accident at work or occupational illness.
How can I get reimbursed?

In the coming years, the system will be incorporated into your Carte Vitale, so you will not need to mail in any reimbursement forms.

However, as things stand, you must request a feuille de soins at each session and mail it into Assurance Maladie to get your reimbursement. You would also send this to your mutuelle, depending on your situation.

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