# COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdown (2020)

URL: https://history-france.com/timeline/2020-covid-19-pandemic-and-national-lockdown
Location: France
Categories: main-event

France imposed sweeping public-health restrictions as the coronavirus pandemic caused mass illness and deaths. Within the broader Fifth Republic period, The 1958 Constitution created a stronger presidency and a durable Fifth Republic. Decolonization, European integration, social change, economic shocks and recurring debates over identity, secularism and the role of the state have shaped contemporary France. At this point in the timeline, the relevant governing authority is Emmanuel Macron (President of the French Republic). COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdown is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France. The event is positioned here so visitors can read it alongside changes in government, warfare, society, religion, culture and France’s wider international setting.

## Why it matters
COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdown is a useful marker in the longer transformation of political authority, society and culture in France.

Ruler at the time: [Emmanuel Macron](https://history-france.com/rulers/emmanuel-macron)

## Sources
- [Wikipedia topic lookup — COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdown](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:Search?search=COVID-19+pandemic+and+national+lockdown&go=Go)
- [Encyclopaedia Britannica topic lookup — COVID-19 pandemic and national lockdown](https://www.britannica.com/search?query=COVID-19+pandemic+and+national+lockdown)
- [Élysée — Institutions of the Fifth Republic](https://www.elysee.fr/en/french-presidency/the-institutions)