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 discussion will study the 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 Véran, as well as ministers from the economy, education, interior, culture and tourism sectors.
In a televised address on 31 March, Macron announced the country could re-open "with strict rules" from mid-May – including bars, restaurants and cultural venues – that have been closed since 30 October of last year.
Covid-19 : Emmanuel Macron présidera jeudi à 18h une réunion sur les protocoles de réouvertures progressives des établissements ferméshttps://t.co/Revz4o8aJI pic.twitter.com/aQ9ezcV5Ot
— franceinfo (@franceinfo) April 13, 2021
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Primary schools are scheduled to reopen on 26 April, with junior and senior high schools opening the following week.
The implementation of the measures is expected to be complicated, while trying to maintain social distancing and sanitary protocols and ensure the prevention of a fourth wave of the virus.
The government, however, is expected to take stock of improvements in the containing the spread of Covid-19, specifically with regard to the ramped-up rollout of vaccines.
Also on Tuesday, a Senate fact-finding committee recommended the gradual reopening of certain cultural venues depending on potential risks, in collaboration with local elected officials, even if the dates won't be the same for all regions.
