day 5

So this morning I received the Global Health Advisory - Level 4 Do Not Travel:

“The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid all international travel due to the global impact of COVID-19. In countries where commercial departure options remain available, U.S. citizens who live in the United States should arrange for immediate return to the United States, unless they are prepared to remain abroad for an indefinite period.

Red. This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance.”

Reassuring.  Add to that that the French government announced that:

“As of March 17, European Union external borders will close for 30 days. This does not apply to U.S. citizens departing France to return to the United States. Travel across the Schengen area’s internal borders will be significantly restricted. Commercial flights operated by Air France remain available for U.S. citizens who wish to return to the United States. Check with the carrier directly to arrange or reschedule travel.”

What’s strange is that before all this I had no definite plans to go back to the States but seeing these kind sof restrictions I started to feel a new kind of containment.  As if I were not only contained the apartment but I was also being contained in France. 

Of course I can’t just leave.  My husband is French and my daughter’s passport has expired.  I meant to renew before I left for vacation last week but I just never got around to it.  I said to myself:  It’s not urgent I can do it when I get back. 

Right.