France begins a new closure on Friday that does not include schools

Paris: France begins a new blockade on Friday that lasts until at least December 1, with the aim of containing the second pandemic wave, “which will undoubtedly be more deadly than the first,” according to President Emmanuel Macron.

Macron said in a televised speech on Wednesday night: “I decided that, as of Friday, it is necessary to return to the blockade that stopped the virus. The entire national territory is concerned.”

Macron explained that this measure is based on three basic points: “Schools will remain open, work can continue, and nursing homes will be able to visit.”

And he warned that his country could register “at least 400,000 additional deaths” in months if action is not taken.

He added: “Some support doing nothing and letting the virus circulate, and this is what we call the search for herd immunity (…) The Scientific Council has evaluated the consequences of such an option, and it is ruthless. term, this means a screening of patients in hospital and (Record (at least 400,000 additional deaths in a few months) … France will never adopt this strategy “.

Under this new closure, bars, restaurants and “non-main stores” will be closed. However, the doors to schools and high schools will remain open. And only higher education will provide distance education.

He pointed out that “remote work will be generalized again whenever possible”, but in light of the closure imposed in spring, “work will continue to a greater extent.”

Also, “to avoid the human tragedies that we met in the spring, that is, that lonely people, at the end of their life, are completely isolated, visiting them in nursing homes (…) it will be available this time, provided that health regulations are fully complied with “.

Macron announced that “a special plan will be defined for the good of the self-employed, merchants and small and medium-sized companies,” and asked the French to remain “united and in solidarity” despite “fatigue.”

“We, like all our neighbors, are experiencing a sudden acceleration of the pandemic through a virus that seems to get stronger with the approaching winter and low temperatures. Once again, a lot of humility is required, all of us in Europe are surprised by the evolution of the virus, “added the French president.

He stressed that “some countries such as Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands took previous measures that were more severe than ours. However, all of us, at the same point, are busy with a second wave that we know will undoubtedly be harsher and more deadly than the first”.