Covid-19: French shop reopenings in December not yet certain
Some French stores may be able to reopen in December for the holiday season, but the prospect is far from certain despite signs that the partial coronavirus lockdown is working, industry minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher said Monday.
"Letting some businesses reopen on December 1 would be ideal," she told France Info radio.
"But we're not there yet, and we'll do everything necessary to slow the virus spread," she said.
A range of businesses deemed non-essential, from booksellers and toy stores to clothing retailers, have been clamouring for permission to once again welcome clients, saying enough precautions were in place to limit contagion risks.
Many are also calling to reopen as soon as November 27, to capitalise on the "Black Friday" sales frenzy they say will otherwise profit only huge online competitors like Amazon.