Paris, restrictions begin: bars closed for 15 days, restaurants closed



[ad_1]

PARIS – A few hours before the transition to maximum health alert, the government launches the new restrictions for the capital. “The epidemic advances too fast,” explains the prefect of Paris, Didier Lallement, announcing the measures that will come into force. As expected, the bars will have to close for the next fifteen days. Yet surprisingly, the restaurants remain open. It will still be possible to eat in the many places of the Ville Lumière, but only in those that respect a reinforced prevention protocol, in the Italian style: customer registration, increased space (at least one fifty meters), tables for no more than eight people, outside temperature measurement. ‘Entry.


Exterior

Coronavirus, NYT: “From global pariah to model, Italy is teaching lessons to its neighbors and the United States”

The authorities were thus satisfied with the restorers who had mobilized in the last hours speaking of a “coup de grace” after the difficult months after the closure. The approval of the new protocol by the Higher Health Council also allows lifting the ban on opening restaurants in Marseille and Aix-en-Provence that have been closed for a week. It is the symbol of the new “stop and go” strategy of the French government between fighting the virus and defending economic life. “We are entering a new phase, the virus will remain in our lives for a long time,” he said. Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris. “Economic, social and cultural life must continue, although at a different pace,” added Hidalgo. Paris and its suburbs have exceeded the three limits set by health authorities for maximum alert, such as Marseille and Aix-en-Provence. The director general of the health agency of Ile-de-France, Aurelien Rousseau, specified that the incidence rate reached 260 infections per 100,000 people, that for those over 65 (limit set at 100) it reached 110 and -especially- that in intensive care units Covid patients occupy 36% beds . Some hospitals have already been forced to postpone scheduled operations to free the wards.


Exterior

Coronavirus in the world, in the EU Commission staff 159 cases: self-isolation for Von der Leyen. More than 35 million infections

In addition to bars, the capital’s squeeze also affects swimming pools and gyms, which will remain closed. The practice of sports not outdoors is authorized only for children and adolescents. Gatherings of up to a thousand people are still allowed for sporting events: the Roland-Garros tennis tournament is running until next Sunday. In light of health data, which puts universities and schools at the forefront of new outbreaks, the universities of Paris and the region will not be able to host more than 50% of students of normal capacity, increasing courses to distance.

The consumption of alcohol in the streets will be prohibited, the markets will remain open. Depending on the space, some stores may not allow more than two customers. In nursing homes, family visits will be limited and a screening campaign with rapid tests will begin in the next few days in some eighty nursing homes. The effects of the new restrictions will be evaluated in fifteen days. If the epidemic curve, with the different indicators, shows any sign of improvement, we can consider easing. Otherwise, the government will be forced to take even harsher measures.



[ad_2]