Lockdown update

I've had a couple of emails recently asking how things are over here in France since 'le confinement' which started on 17th March at midday, just two days before returning from our 3-night trip to England. Well, we're still here. Luckily the weather has been good so we've been able to be outside much of the time (the garden's never looked so ready for summer produce).

The French lockdown has been very strict, permission to leave the house for a few specific reasons. Here's a copy of the form...

...and Martine filling in hers! Luckily the paper copy was changed to an electronic one later on.

As Tine didn't want me to take any chances with my asthma she has insisted on doing all the shopping (I'm not complaining!) so for me it has been one hour's walk a day all within 1 km of our house. 

With the sea on one side and marshland on the other it doesn't give much option than to walk similar routes.

I'm still managing my 10,000 steps each day though - just!

To make matters worse all the beaches are closed...

...even walking along the front by Le Rêve.

We could play 'Where's Wally on the Beach'!

The market has reopened with just essential food stalls, one person from each family and a one-way system.

Poor Sacha's skate-park is closed...

...but he sometimes comes to see us, caring for the old and vulnerable.

He looks very unhappy, doesn't he?

He was proud to show off his handwriting skills.

We've got his rainbow on display, to say merci to all those working so hard to keep us safe, fed and watered.

Meanwhile Tine & I have enjoyed a few games of Mölkky...

...Matt's been refreshing the Starfish...

...and we've made time for virtual apéritifs with friends and family.

It's a hard life in lockdown

And what of the future? Here's the latest map of of France showing red and green regions. A quote from a website I follow, 'In green departments, the virus is no longer actively circulating. Hospitals have capacity in intensive care, and there are enough Covid-19 tests for people who need them. In red departments, the virus is still actively present. The number of people being admitted to hospital and intensive care - within the last seven days - is still putting the health system under pressure when compared to normal times. These departments may also have a lack of tests.'

We're just over the bay to the North-East of La Rochelle and looking forward to an easing of the lockdown from Monday when more shops will be opening and primary schools returning (half classes at a time) but still no restaurants or bars. Several restaurants are doing takeaway service as I've seen in the UK.