French President Emmanuel Macron told mayors that a plan to unwind the coravirus lockdown would be unveiled around Tuesday next week, his Elysee office has said. The return to schools would be on voluntary basis from May 11, the presidency said on Thursday.

Lockdown measures were ordered from March 17 to curb the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. The government offered retailers some relief on Thursday, saying it wanted them to reopen when a nationwide lockdown ends on May 11. However, some curbs could remain in certain areas to delay a new wave of the coronavirus.

Authorities have ruled out restaurants, bars and cafes reopening straight after the lockdown is lifted. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has indicated restrictions are likely to remain in regions that have been hit worst by the virus.

France has suffered the world’s fourth-highest reported coronavirus death toll of more than 20,000, with more than 158,000 infections, Reuters said.

Source: RT