France, April 15 -- French President Emmanuel Macron is to chair a meetingat the Elysee Palace on Thursday to examine the protocols for reopening the retail, hospitality and cultural sectors that have been shut down since the peak of the Covid-19 second wave in October.

In a statement, the president's office said:"Following meetings led by ministers with the various sectors concerned by the closing of establishments, Thursday's discussionwill studythe health protocols envisaged for a gradual reopening."

The meeting, to begin at 6pm, will be attended by Prime Minister Jean Castex and Health Minister Olivier Veran, as well as ministers from the economy, education, interior, culture and tourism sectors.

In atelevised address on 31 March,M...