France rules out a new blockade but closes borders to most non-EU travel

The French government says it will not impose a coronavirus lockdown again anytime soon, but has imposed even stricter restrictions to continue the 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew across the country.

“The question of a new lockdown legitimately arises given the most recent data,” Prime Minister Jean Castex said late on Friday, after a nightly meeting with President Emmanuel Macron and high-ranking ministers.

“We know that the closure has a great impact on the French people and we believe that we can still give ourselves the opportunity to avoid another closure. Therefore, in addition to the curfew that has had an impact but has been limited, we have decided to take these measures additional “.

France’s borders with non-EU countries will be closed, except for essential travel. while anyone entering France from any country, including EU neighbors, must have a negative PCR test. Schools will remain open, but the prime minister urged people to work from home if they can.

For some people in Paris, the measure was seen as a maintenance measure before a new blockade in the future.

“Most French people are against another lockdown, so I think this is designed to prepare us for another lockdown in the next few days or weeks. I think a new lockdown will surely be imposed,” said Eliza, shopping at the famous Fields of Paris. Elysees Avenue.

Also under the winter sun was Philippe, who told CGTN Europe that “the biggest problem is that the schools stay open as that could cause a big problem in terms of infections, but you have to find a good balance. I think these restrictions they are going to last a long time. ”

A third national shutdown in France seemed inevitable this week following warnings from top health officials that one would be needed, and Macron was expected to announce a new shutdown this Sunday.

The fact that the prime minister spoke in his place and ultimately did not announce another lockdown shows the ever-changing thinking within the government on how best to contain the new variants of the coronavirus and the high rates of infection and death.

The vaccine strategy in France is intended to supplement restrictions on work, socialization and shopping. But now the dose shortage in Europe means that the northern Hauts-de-France region, the Paris metropolitan area and at least one other region, which when combined make up a third of France’s population, are postponing the administration of the first doses.

Europe faces a vaccine deficit because Pfizer and Moderna have temporarily slowed supplies, while AstraZeneca said it would reduce volumes allocated to the EU in the first quarter due to production problems.