WHAT'S HAPPENING IN YOUR PART OF THE WORLD?

My FAVORITE city in the world is PARIS, FRANCE.  I feel something special when I'm there, most likely because the first time I was there was with my MOM when she was terminal. Our last trip together. So naturally, I'm tuned in to any news from there (and can't wait until I can return without fear).

• The following information has been updated on the Embassy Paris COVID-19 website:  

• Anyone walking or traveling within France must carry a newly dated attestation.  This form was updated on March 24 and is available here. This is a serious measure by French authorities. The fine for unauthorized travel is between 135 to 375 euros with an increase to 1,500 euros for repeat offenses.
• The French Minister of Interior (MOI) and French police have issued warnings regarding fake police checkpoints and individuals impersonating police officers attempting to fraudulently collect a “fine” for not possessing a travel attestation documents or for improper documentation.  French police always write a report and requirement to pay a fine is sent to your home of record. Do not pay any “fine” on the scene. 

And here is a pleasant note today from a Newsletter I receive by email regularly called BONJOUR PARIS!

• "The quarantine in France will most likely be prolonged, but I'm seeing a remarkable solidarity here in Paris. Neighbors are helping neighbors, families who live near hospitals are offering rooms to doctors and nurses, citizens are respecting the rules put in place. The highlight of the day? My kids count down the minutes until 8 pm when we can rush to our balcony and applaud France's hospital workers. The applause has grown louder every night, with horns and musical instruments adding to the cacophony. It's a wonderful moment and welcome release. And my kids happily holler out, "A demain!" to all our neighbors when we step back inside our quarantine bubble."  

Just in case you don't understand French, "A demain!" means "Until tomorrow!"

Restrictions have been happening all around EUROPE and we are NOW seeing more here in the United States. Because it hit there earlier, we are able to observe what is likely to happen here and hopefully be better prepared.

My AUNT MARTA has family in GERMANY (Munich) and AUSTRIA (Vienna) and shares with me first-hand what is happening there. If you go out to a store you are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED to wear not only a MASK and GLOVES but also GLASSES. And in their pharmacies, they are hanging SHEETS OF PLASTIC from the ceiling to the floor between the pharmacist and the customers.

A DEMAIN!

JOAN