France is one of the countries in Europe most affected by the corona pandemic. Due to the sharp rise in infection figures over the past weeks, the government in Paris imposed a new nationwide lockdown. The measure has been in effect since midnight; by December 1, restaurants, bars and all non-essential businesses must close. The French are now only allowed to leave their homes for compelling reasons, such as to go to work or to the doctor. Private meetings are to be restricted to the nuclear family.
French President Emmanuel Macron had announced the lockdown on Wednesday evening on television. The massive increase in the number of infections made a “brutal braking maneuver” inevitable, he said in defense of the unpopular decision. Health Minister Olivier Véran made a similar statement on Thursday. The government had tried “with all means” to avoid a new lockdown. But in view of the current “European wave”, it had no other choice, he told France-Info.
hp, with reports from news agencies. picture: pixabay.com
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