Five Years On: The Enduring Impact of France's First COVID-19 Lockdown
Marking the anniversary of the March 17, 2020 lockdown, reflections highlight societal shifts, resilience, and unresolved challenges from the pandemic.
- The first nationwide lockdown in France began on March 17, 2020, lasting 55 days, with strict restrictions on movement and activities to curb the spread of COVID-19.
- The pandemic has officially caused over 7 million deaths globally, though the World Health Organization suggests the true toll is likely higher.
- Societal changes include the normalization of telework, shifts in social behaviors, and the incorporation of pandemic-related vocabulary into everyday language.
- Younger generations face lasting psychological and social impacts, with disruptions to education and social development during formative years.
- Experts and leaders call for improved preparedness for future pandemics, emphasizing lessons from the COVID-19 crisis as the risk of new outbreaks persists.
Le Point 
Ouest-France Ouest-France 
L'Express 
Libération 
Le Nouvel Obs Le Nouvel Obs 
l'Opinion 
Le Figaro Le Figaro Libération Libération 
L'Humanité 
Sud Ouest Sud Ouest L'Express 
Courrier International Le Nouvel Obs L'Humanité L'Humanité Sud Ouest Le Figaro Libération Le Nouvel Obs Ouest-France 
La Croix 