France’s Heartfelt Tribute to Medical Heroes During COVID-19

Quarantined France is the latest European country to pay tribute to its medical and frontline heroes with a nationwide display of cheers and applause. This initiative highlights the collective resilience and support of communities across the country.

Some of the hardest-hit European countries are uniting to send a message to those assisting on the coronavirus frontline with a collective and timed tribute, coordinated over social media. Moving videos shared online depict neighbours clapping and cheering from their individual balconies, demonstrating a sweeping show of solidarity. Initially, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, and Bulgaria participated in this heartfelt gesture, and now France, under lockdown, has joined the effort.

France commenced its first nightly tribute on Tuesday at 8pm. A video shared online by Twitter user @AgnesCPoirier, filmed from Paris’ 13th arrondissement, captures the first ripples of applause gaining momentum, sweeping over the city like a Mexican Wave, amid glowing windows and the twinkling lights of the Eiffel Tower.

Moreover, quarantined European countries are enhancing their spirits through nightly balcony and window parties featuring singing, dancing, and music. As Italy faces Europe’s most severe COVID-19 outbreak, many people have lifted morale by displaying posters from their windows adorned with rainbows and the phrase andrà tutto bene (everything will be fine), which has become the unofficial national motto during quarantine.

Consequently, Italy, France, and Spain are currently under lockdown. Citizens are only permitted to leave home for essential activities, including purchasing food or medicine, assisting those in need, seeking medical help, or engaging in outdoor exercise while maintaining social distancing. Violation of these regulations can result in strict fines. Additionally, on Tuesday, the EU announced a non-essential travel ban for those coming from outside the EU, with repatriation arrangements underway for citizens and residents.

The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) is now a global pandemic. Understand its impacts on travel here: Covid-19 and Travel Implications.