Update on France's Announcement of Stage 3

THIS POST IS A REPUBLISHED VERSION OF AN EMAIL COMMUNICATION SENT BY AUP PRESIDENT CELESTE M. SCHENCK ON MARCH 14, 2020, ABOUT COVID-19 AND AUP'S RESPONSE. IT IS PART OF OUR SAFETY & SECURITY BLOG THAT ROUNDS UP ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

The French Prime Minister has just announced that France is moving to Stage 3 of the Covid-19 epidemic. As part of this announcement, he put in place a new set of measures in an effort to slow down Covid-19. These measures will see all “non-essential,” public places and businesses close as of midnight tonight. This includes, cafés, bars, restaurants, movie theaters, and clubs. However, grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and public transportation will remain open (though at about 80% of the usual traffic for metros, buses and trams). Public parcs and spaces will remain fully accessible and you can go for walks and get fresh air at any time.

The number of individuals who contracted Covid-19 has continued to rise over the past 72 hours, but hospitals and medical services are working efficiently throughout France to contain the virus. The Prime Minister stated again the importance and relevance of limiting close contact and unnecessary gatherings outside of our homes, as well as regularly washing your hands. It is crucial that we continue to follow these instructions.

AUP is currently putting in place a support system for all students remaining in Paris that will be ready at the beginning of remote learning on Wednesday, March 18. We’ll shortly be assigning students staying in Paris to a staff mentor, who will reach out frequently to students in a group setting during this period, to connect our students with each other.

Please feel free to be in touch with us if you need assistance by writing to studentdevelopmentaup.edu or by calling 06 11 68 76  44 for emergencies. If you are feeling sick, please call International SOS at 01 55 63 36 35 and follow their instructions.