France announces one-month’s lockdown in many regions including Paris

Paris : A month-long limited lockdown for Paris and other regions of the country was announced by the French Prime Minister Jean Castex on Thursday. Lockdown will start from Friday as the number of Covid-19 patients in intensive care units spikes. Schools and essential shops, including bookstores, will remain open.French Prime Minister Jean Castex said the new restrictions will take effect from Friday midnight. It will last four weeks. The restrictions will be imposed on 16 regions, including the Paris area.

Movement outside will be restricted in the affected regions while non-essential businesses will remain closed. Schools will stay open and outdoor exercise allowed up to 10 kilometres (6 miles) from home, he said. He added that the curfew starting at 7pm from Friday will also be reduced.

Castex said that the progression of the Covid-19 epidemic in France is clearly accelerating. He told the reporters during a press conference, “More and more this is looking like a third wave”.

The announcement falls on the week of the one-year anniversary of France’s first nationwide lockdown. President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement on March 16 and the lockdown went into effect at midday on March 17, 2020, and ended 55 days later on May 10.