Covid-19: the new lockdown measures in institutions in France

The idea of the new lockdown implemented by the French government until at least December 1st is mostly relies on the concept that “public services are not suspended” and that they “must guarantee their continuity”.

A principle applied to education

As stated by the French Ministry of Higher Education, “public and private higher education institutions remain open. Only the terms for receiving users change”. Thus, in practice, several consequences are of interest. First, all classes are taught remotely. However, the Ministry points out that, in certain specific cases where the “practical nature of classes does not permit this arrangement”, such as in certain types of work which require handling, onsite classes are allowed “within a limit of 50% of the theoretical intake capacity”.

At the same time, access to laboratories and research units within higher education institutions remains “authorised for staff and doctoral students”. Similarly, the organisation of “face-to-face exams of all types is maintained until the next deadlines”.

A principle applied to other activities

University libraries remain open, but “only on appointment for access to reading rooms”. The lending and borrowing of documents is also “on appointment only”. As for university restaurants, the CROUSes provide restricted service: only “take-away” are possible as long as “dining rooms are closed”.

The good news, however, is that university health and social services remain “fully accessible”.  Thus, for the Ministry, they will be able to play “a major role with students”.

A general principle and specific measures

The general principle, clearly specified by the Ministry, is the application of health instructions such as the wearing of masks (mandatory in all education premises) and “strict compliance” with barrier gestures. The Ministry also points out that an exempted movement certificate must be obtained for any journey between home and the establishments.

In order to answer all other questions, the Ministry has put in place a FAQ (updated regularly) which answers point by point certain questions concerning, for example, life in student residences, internships or access to computer rooms, which are the subject of special measures.

Read the FAQ on the Covid-19; new lockdown measures

In France, in this period of health crisis, international students are accompanied and supported by higher education institutions and the CROUS network.