France Continues to Fight COVID

What Your Customers Should Know

As some countries see an improving situation in managing the pandemic, France is continuing to battle against COVID-19. With only 5% of the population vaccinated, last week the country saw its highest number of infections since November. In order to help you advise customers planning their move, Neer Service bring you the latest news affecting the moving and relocation industry from France.

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Curfew Remains In Place

The curfew from 6pm to 6am in France remains in place, meaning that people must stay at home apart from essential or work related reasons. Earlier this week, President Macron suggested that the curfew may be continued for another four to six weeks. Moving operations are unaffected by these restrictions.

Weekend lockdowns have been imposed in some coastal cities like Nice and Cannes, but there is currently no lockdown in Paris.

Bars, restaurants and cultural venues are closed.

Travel Restrictions

Entry into France is suspended for all foreign nationals except French, EU or EEA citizens and their partners and children.

Diplomats, employees of international organizations or individuals with a “Talent Passport” long-stay visa are also exempt.

Clients can review the requirements for foreign nationals arriving in France in English on the government website here.

Testing of Drivers Changes

Last week the requirement that all truck drivers (including moving companies) arriving from the United Kingdom must test negative prior to entry into France were relaxed for drivers that have spent less than 48 hours in the UK.

However, on Sunday February 28th, Germany introduced testing for drivers and other travelers arriving from the Moselle region in Eastern France that is considered a high-risk area for virus variants.

Older Vehicles Banned in Paris

In an effort to reduce pollution, authorities in Paris have banned older cars and trucks from driving in the city today (March 3, 2021). In addition, the speed limit is also reduced in the city area.

It is likely that similar bans will be introduced in future, but as a result of the age of the Neer Service fleet of trucks, our operations will not be affected.

Stay Safe and Healthy

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New French Rules Impact Transferees

The French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced yesterday that the country would introduce much tougher rules for travelers arriving in France that may affect the plans of transferees with moves in progress.

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France Reopens UK Border

Earlier today December 22nd, the French Prime Minister announced that France will reopen its border with the United Kingdom allowing the transport of household goods moves and other freight. The border between France and the United Kingdom was closed by the French government on Sunday night following an outbreak of a new highly contagious strain of the Covid-19 virus in the UK.

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Brexit and curfew in France

As you know, the United Kingdom will leave the European Union on December 31, 2020 probably resulting in a number of changes to the customs procedure for moving shipments from France to the UK in the New Year.

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New Lockdown in France

President Macron tonight said that France will introduce a new lockdown effective from Friday October 30th until December 1st aimed at reducing the rapidly growing cases of COVID-19 in the country.

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Curfew in France

France Introduces 4 Weeks Curfew

In response to the rising levels of daily coronavirus cases, President Macron has announced that a curfew affecting nearly 33% of the French population will be introduced from Saturday October 17th.

In a TV interview, President Macron said people in Paris and the surrounding area, Grenoble, Lille, Lyon, Marseille, Montpellier, Rouen, Saint Etienne and Toulouse will not be allowed to be outdoors between 9pm and 6am for at least four weeks, except for essential reasons.

“We have to act. We need to put a brake on the spread of the virus” President Macron said as the government attempts to stop people visiting restaurants and private homes in the late evening and night.

Neer Service will continue to update Partners if the curfew has any impact on moving operations.

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Stay Safe and Healthy

Please don’t hesitate to contact us at management@neerservice.fr for any questions or if you need more information.

Stay Safe and Healthy

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Relocation Update from France

As the laws in France now require face masks to be worn in all indoor areas (including office) and crowded outdoor areas, Neer Service remain committed to protecting our associates and our valued customers. For this reason, we have placed an initial order for the first transparent face mask that is available in France.

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News from France

The French Prime Minister has confirmed that face masks will be compulsory in enclosed public spaces from this week. People that do not wear masks may receive a fine of up to €135 (US$150).

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Relocation Update from France

As advised in our previous newsletter domestic, European and international moves can now take place without restriction. Both customers and our moving crews follow the strict sanitary measures, social distancing requirements and our crews wear masks.

Customers are required to self-certificate using this form to confirm that they are not suffering any symptoms of COVID-19, before their move.

People are also now permitted to view new homes for sale or rent.

The largest issue to full mobility remains international air travel. Passengers from non- Schengen Member States are still not allowed to enter France. Passengers arriving from a non-Schengen Member State are not allowed to enter France. This rule does not apply to EU, Swiss and British Nationals returning home to France or people with a residence permit issued by French authorities.

The lack of flights is also impacting air freight rates which remain extremely high. Air France expects to open more than 30 international traffic lanes by the end of June that should assist travel and reduce air freight costs

Relocation Update from France

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IATA Travel Map

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has a useful coronavirus travel regulations map, that provides a comprehensive overview of immigration restrictions by country.

Powered by Timatic, the resource used by airlines to validate passenger travel requirements, this should provide an accurate resource for our partners.

Life in France

With the second phase of re-opening beginning on June 2 nd , people can now move freely around the country.

Here are the highlights :
Restaurants and Bars are open nationwide but only outdoor seating is permitted in Paris and the Eastern Region (known as the “orange zone”).

Restaurants are also allowed to extend seating to include street areas.

Rebuilding Notre Dame

On June 8th, workers began to remove the 200 tons of scaffolding damaged by the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in April 2019. The scaffolding was being used to renovate the old spire and some pieces are thought to be melted together by the heat of the fire.

Back to School!

Schools have now fully re-opened in France for the remainder of the school year that ends on July 6.

An increasing number of parents are taking advantage of the reopening that started with Elementary Grades in May.

“Stop COVID” App

The French tracing “Stop COVID” App has already had more than one million subscribers since June 2nd.

Using the Bluetooth on your phone, the App will let you know if you were in within 3 feet of someone
infected. Positive cases are requested to indicate their status on the App.

Trains

Trains operators are now permitted to sell all seats on train services in France. Original guidelines only permitted operators to sell 50% of their total capacity allowing empty seats next to each passenger.

Government Subsidies

The French government packages to assist companies retain employees have been changed.

From June 1, the government will cover 85% of a companies payroll and not 100% provided during the height of the crisis.

Pedestrian Streets

In an effort to allow Parisians to enjoy their city, several streets in Paris are now closed to traffic on the first Sunday of each month.

This includes the famous Champs Elysees.

Masks

French Government efforts to encourage clothing manufacturers to produce washable masks have led to over-supply – it seems people in France prefer the disposable version!

Public Holidays

A reminder of the following public holidays in France in the coming months:

Bastille Day – Tuesday July 14, 2020
Assumption Day – Saturday August 15th, 2020

Government offices and private businesses will be closed on these dates.
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