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Life Not Easy in France Under Lockdown

Nicolas Pinault

   PARIS - As lockdown becomes the new norm in Europe, peopleinFrance--
   the EU's third largest economy -- discusstheir experiencesduringthe
   coronavirus pandemic.

   Busyavenueslike the ChampsElyséesare not buzzing thesedays in the
   French capital. Since Monday at noon local time, French citizens have
   been ordered toremainhomeandself-quarantine to prevent the spread of
   thecoronavirus. Many are teleworking andtaking care of their
   children,sincetheschools are closed,too.

   This is the case for Isabelle Garcia, a lawyer with two toddlers.

   "The current situation is quite difficult. My husband and I are both
   teleworking,but(our)son's school is closed.So is my daughter's daycare.
   We are waking up early while they're still asleep.And when the children
   are awake,I work for an hour when my husband looks after them,and we
   rotate. It is quite tiring and hard work,but we are making the best of
   it and trying to do everything we can to get through it, I think, like
   anybody else," she said.

   The French government put the whole country in lockdown,but no curfew
   has been implemented. People must stay home as much as they can,but
   they cango outside to grocery shop, see a doctor,walk the dog,or if
   they cannot telework. Police can fine people up to $150 if they do not
   have a validexcuseto be outside.

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