The COVID-19 Pandemic in Photos: Scenes from the French/Italian Border at Menton

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Armed Italian military personnel, working on the Italian side of the border—checking pedestrians and vehicles hoping to enter Italy after the March 14th shutdown of France.

Coronavirus reached 219,058 confirmed cases globally, according to an interactive dashboard created and managed by Johns Hopkins University. Lockdowns are being imposed around the world, for example in the Philippines, Italy, Spain, and France. New York City is one of many cities facing these restrictions, read the Free Press’ latest updates here. The European Union has closed its borders for 30 days, banning all non-essential travel to Europe in an effort to contain the virus.  

The Italian government imposed a national quarantine on Mar. 9th .The country’s number of confirmed COVID-19 cases has more than tripled—reaching a total of 35, 713, according to the dashboard.

On Mar. 12th, French president Emmanuel Macron gave an address in which he ordered the closing of all schools and universities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Two days later France went into lockdown, following the order of Prime Minister Edouard Phillipe to close all restaurants and non-essential commerce. JHU’s dashboard shows that France has reached 

9, 055 cases of COVID-19 — making it the fourth worst-affected country in Europe. 

Menton is situated along the French Riviera in southeast France. It shares a border with Italy, with a population of 28,958. More than a quarter of Menton is 60 years or older: putting them at higher risk for serious illness from the novel coronavirus.

Last Thursday, cafes, restaurants and sidewalks were filled with children, parents, grandparents and pets. Just a few days later, food and social establishments were emptied. There are still people on the beach, kids in strollers and on scooters, but the lively town has become quiet as it awaits the end of this lockdown.  

The following photos are a glimpse into French/Italian border control along with the town’s adjusting social landscape before and after the recent nationwide lockdown. As French policemen continue to wave through all vehicles into France, the Italian military holds post monitoring those wishing to enter Italy, only letting people through for emergencies, health and work. 

All photographs by Ayesha Le Breton.

March 14th, 2020

People at the French/Italian border, some hoping to cross while others hang out.
Monaco vehicle entering France, passenger and driver wearing medical masks.
Resident and French police in conversation at the border.
Italian military personnel turning pedestrian away, back to France.
Locals watching the happenings at the border.
French police officers, known as “Gendarmerie” checking a french caravan at the border post. They had no vetting process within the context of COVID-19— did not turn any vehicles around.
A local villager, fishing in the Mediterrenean at the French/Italian border.
Two men going about their day—fishing by the French/Italian border post.

March 16th, 2020

French/Italian border post in Menton, France.
Local in medical mask, hoping to cross French border into Italy.
Centre of Menton—all restaurants and non-essential shops are closed as per the French government’s demand.
Couple walking hand in hand along the promenade in Menton.
A man writing a postcard—restaurants and cafes were shut to diminish the spread of COVID-19, yet their outdoor furniture continues to be used by locals.
Wind surfers out on the Mediterranean, off the shore of Menton.