Coronavirus: France announces second lockdown

GBNEWS24 DESK//

France will enter a new coronavirus lockdown on Friday until at least December 1, reports dw.com.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced the new restrictions in a speech from the Elysee palace after an emergency meeting. It came shortly after neighboring Germany announced a new lockdown.

New restrictions

People can only leave home to go to work, to go to school, for a medical appointment, to give assistance to loved ones,     for essential shopping or for one hour of physical exercise
People will need to show documentation when leaving the house
Travel between regions is banned
Bars, restaurants and nonessential businesses will be closed
Work must be done remotely wherever possible
Universities and higher education will mostly be taught online
International borders will remain largely closed

What is allowed

Schools will remain open
Essential businesses will remain open
Most public services will remain open
Factories, farms and construction sites can continue work
EU borders will remain open
French citizens can return from overseas
Retirement homes can accept visits
Funerals are still possible

The rules apply to all of France, but there will be an exception for the upcoming All Saint’s holiday weekend.

Authorities will reassess the situation in 15 days. French Prime Minister Jean Castex will announce further details on Thursday, just before the lockdown goes into effect.

“We were all surprised by the acceleration of the epidemic. We must remain united and in solidarity and not give in to the poison of division. This is a difficult time, but it is a sign of who we are, women and men who are bound together,” Macron said.