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Friday, March 29, 2024

Epidemic situation in France critical, government takes controversial steps

By V4 Agency

The prime minister told a press conference that stricter restictions will be implemented in several departements. The figures are steadily deteriorating, but the government is still planning some easements.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex held a press conference on the current state of the epidemic and the new measures to be introduced in the country. The prime minister began his speech by outlining the epidemiological situation, which is deteriorating. The virus is spreading rapidly, with the latest data showing that 35,000 new infections have been registered in the last 24 hours, nearly three-quarters of which were attributable to the much more contagious British variant. Although the virus is raging throughout the country, some areas are particularly hard-hit: the situation in the Ile-de-France region in and around Paris and the Hauts-de-France region in the north of the country is critical, warranting additional local measures.

The prime minister announced that a local lockdown will be introduced in 16 departements starting at midnight on Friday in the regions mentioned above. It would remain in place throughout the week including the weekends.

The new lockdown measures will be different from the restrictions introduced last spring, the prime minister emphasized. Schools will remain open and will not switch to online education even in the 16 departments under lockdown. He added that the government intends to maintain in-person education for as long as possible. Primary schools will continue operating as normal, while secondary schools will have a hybrid form of education combining traditional classrooms and distant learning.

As regards shops, those selling essential products can remain open, along with bookshops and music stores.

There will also be certain restrictions on travel. Everyone is allowed to leave their place of residence without a time limit within a 10-kilometre radius, but there will be a ban on travel between regions. The announced restrictions will remain in force for four weeks.

Despite facing a worsening third wave, the French government has decided to ease curfew restrictions. As of Saturday, the nationwide curfew will begin at 7 pm, an hour later than the 6 pm currently in place, except for the 16 departments under lockdown from Friday.

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