Newsletter – Page 5 – Neer Service France

Relocation Update from France

Brexit – What You Need to Know
As the United Kingdom prepares to leave the European Union in 12 weeks, here is a guide to how your shipments to or from France may be affected:

As the laws in France now require face masks to be worn in all indoor areas (including office) and crowded outdoor areas, Neer Service remain committed to protecting our associates and our valued customers. For this reason, we have placed an initial order for the first transparent face mask that is available in France.

News from France

The French Prime Minister has confirmed that face masks will be compulsory in enclosed public spaces from this week. People that do not wear masks may receive a fine of up to €135 (US$150).

Relocation Update from France

As advised in our previous newsletter domestic, European and international moves can now take place without restriction. Both customers and our moving crews follow the strict sanitary measures, social distancing requirements and our crews wear masks.

Customers are required to self-certificate using this form to confirm that they are not suffering any symptoms of COVID-19, before their move.

People are also now permitted to view new homes for sale or rent.

The largest issue to full mobility remains international air travel. Passengers from non- Schengen Member States are still not allowed to enter France. Passengers arriving from a non-Schengen Member State are not allowed to enter France. This rule does not apply to EU, Swiss and British Nationals returning home to France or people with a residence permit issued by French authorities.

The lack of flights is also impacting air freight rates which remain extremely high. Air France expects to open more than 30 international traffic lanes by the end of June that should assist travel and reduce air freight costs

Relocation Update from France

IATA Travel Map

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has a useful coronavirus travel regulations map, that provides a comprehensive overview of immigration restrictions by country.

Powered by Timatic, the resource used by airlines to validate passenger travel requirements, this should provide an accurate resource for our partners.

Life in France

With the second phase of re-opening beginning on June 2 nd , people can now move freely around the country.

Here are the highlights :
Restaurants and Bars are open nationwide but only outdoor seating is permitted in Paris and the Eastern Region (known as the “orange zone”).

Restaurants are also allowed to extend seating to include street areas.

Rebuilding Notre Dame

On June 8th, workers began to remove the 200 tons of scaffolding damaged by the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral in April 2019. The scaffolding was being used to renovate the old spire and some pieces are thought to be melted together by the heat of the fire.

Back to School!

Schools have now fully re-opened in France for the remainder of the school year that ends on July 6.

An increasing number of parents are taking advantage of the reopening that started with Elementary Grades in May.

“Stop COVID” App

The French tracing “Stop COVID” App has already had more than one million subscribers since June 2nd.

Using the Bluetooth on your phone, the App will let you know if you were in within 3 feet of someone
infected. Positive cases are requested to indicate their status on the App.

Trains

Trains operators are now permitted to sell all seats on train services in France. Original guidelines only permitted operators to sell 50% of their total capacity allowing empty seats next to each passenger.

Government Subsidies

The French government packages to assist companies retain employees have been changed.

From June 1, the government will cover 85% of a companies payroll and not 100% provided during the height of the crisis.

Pedestrian Streets

In an effort to allow Parisians to enjoy their city, several streets in Paris are now closed to traffic on the first Sunday of each month.

This includes the famous Champs Elysees.

Masks

French Government efforts to encourage clothing manufacturers to produce washable masks have led to over-supply – it seems people in France prefer the disposable version!

Public Holidays

A reminder of the following public holidays in France in the coming months:

Bastille Day – Tuesday July 14, 2020
Assumption Day – Saturday August 15th, 2020

Government offices and private businesses will be closed on these dates.

Moving Forward Under COVID-19 Guidelines

As government instructions that restricted moves to exceptional cases expires on May 11, the French moving associations and Unions have published an industry directive (available here ) for professional moving companies to return to work after that date.

French Moving Industry Returns to Work on May 11

On Monday April 13th evening, French President Macron announced plans for the country to start to begin the journey back to normal life in France.

COVID-19 Updates in France

Household Moves Prohibited in France

In a further effort to stop the spread of COVID-19, on April 1, 2020 the French government has issued an official letter that prohibits household goods moves unless the move is considered a critical emergency. This updates the previous law restricting in-home services.

NEER Service continue to assist our partners with exports and imports between our warehouse and the port(s).

You can review the official letter from the Ministry here.

Stay Safe and Healthy

French Ports Continue to Operate

French authorities continue to make sure that all ports continue to operate efficiently in order to maintain the flow of freight and essential supplies to and from the country. As mentioned in our previous newsletter NEER Service continue to transport shipments to our secure warehouse and will continue to offer free storage and reduced handling fees to our partners until the end of the pandemic.

France Under Confinement

Like many countries, France is under a period of confinement at home.

President Macron announced the measures on March 16. It was further extended by Prime Minister Philippe until April 15.

At the current time, it is highly likely that the period of confinement will be extended again by the French government beyond this date.

Thanking Our Medical Professionals

From New York to Paris, we are grateful for the extraordinary efforts of the doctors, nurses, ambulance drivers and all hospital staff in all of our countries.

Here in France, the children of medical staff are looked after in schools and have access to a free concierge service with priority access to food delivery, taxi’s and other services to help them at this time.