News

On 16 March 2020, the French
government announced measures limiting the movement of private individuals from
12:00 on 17 March 2020 for a minimum of two weeks with the aim of containing the risk of
COVID-19 infection.

We have summarised the broad-ranging
restrictions below, but we are pleased to report that thanks to contingency
plans, France’s commercial ports remain fully functional.  Similarly, Budd’s staff, lawyers and surveyors
in France are continuing to assist clubs and their members in the usual manner.

Ports of Le Havre, Rouen &
Paris

In the attached circular, these
three ports confirm that having redefined task priorities, modified staff rotas
to reduce personal contact between essential staff on the ground, and
introduced remote working, all essential services are still being provided.  In case of need, meetings are being held by teleconference.

Port of Marseille-Fos

This port has also introduced a contingency plan to maintain activity for all vessels and stakeholders.

Marseille-Fos advises that
vessels will be able to berth or drop anchor at anchorage between 23:00 and
05:00 (04:00 for container ships).

However, no pilot services
will be available during this period.

The port therefore recommends vessels arriving Marseille-Fos who require pilot services to adapt their speed if required to avoid arriving between 23:00 and 05:00 (or 04:00 for container ships).

The French-language circular on the above pilotage changes is to be found here.

The port has also issued this press release in English.

Summary of General COVID-19
Measures in France

People are only allowed to
leave their homes for the following reasons:

• Travel to a place of work but
  only if remote working is not possible, or if a personal intervention cannot be
  delayed;
• The purchase of essential
  items such as groceries, petrol or medication;
• Health care;
• Vital family reasons, caring
  for vulnerable people or children;
• Short periods of exercise
  practiced singly and near to home.  No
  collective sport is to be practiced.

When people do leave their
homes, they must carry a statement signed on their honour indicating the
purpose of their journey.

Those who need to travel for
professional purposes (e.g. medical staff, public utilities, transport industry
including shipping, etc.) must carry a statement completed by their employer.

A fine of at least Euros
135.00 may be levied in case of infringement.

With the exception of food
shops, chemists, petrol stations, tobacconists and news agents, all shops must
remain closed, as indeed must all places of education, libraries, restaurants,
sports and entertainment venues.

Hotels remain open.  They are authorised to provide room service
to their guests but their restaurants are closed.

Restaurants providing a
take-away or delivery service can continue to operate.

Derogations have also been
granted to all companies in the following sectors:  short-term accommodation which serves as a
domicile, laundry/dry cleaning, spare parts or repairs to specific essential
items, financial services, insurance, funeral parlours.

Links:

British Government advice on
travel to France: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/france
French Government update on
COVID-19 measures: https://www.gouvernement.fr/info-coronavirus

Information provided by

Budd Rouen-Le Havre                                Budd
Marseille-Fos

Budd.rouen@budd-pni.com                        general.marseille@budd-pni.com