The French government site aims to connect those who need help during the strict lockdown with those who want to help – while keeping to the principle of social distancing to avoid spreading coronavirus further.

Many communities have already set up their own local schemes – doing everything from providing food parcels to running errands – but the new government website aims to connect up those who want to offer their help with people who need it.

READ ALSO France sees army of volunteers step up during coronavirus crisis

Screengrab: covid19.reserve-civique.gouv.fr

The site suggests four broad categories for offering support; distributing food and other necessities to those who need it, offering childcare for key workers, fetching groceries and other necessities for vulnerable, elderly or ill people and providing a social link (by phone or online) to vulnerable people who are struggling during the lockdown.

The site – Réserve Civique Covid 19 – is open both to organisations who want to suggest a scheme and individuals who want to offer their help.

Following president Emmanuel Macron's calls for solidarité as the country faces a “war” over coronavirus, the site states: “This commitment space is open to all.

“Whether you are a regular volunteer, used to charity work or if you want, for the first time, to give a little time and energy.

“Because this health war is unprecedented, because it concerns us all and because we want to win it. Together.”

Individuals are asked to sign up to the site, stating the area they are based in, and provide contact details.

Launched at the end of last week there are already thousands of people signed up and hundreds of local schemes – organised by both individuals and groups as the Red Cross – that people can sign up to help with.

Find out more at the site here.