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The head of state said the restrictions will go into effect Thursday night and will last “at least until December 1.”
Bars, restaurants and other non-essential businesses will need to close during this period, but unlike the two-month lockdown last spring, students will still be able to attend schools, Macron said on television.
Factories and farms will also be able to continue operating and some public services will be provided to limit damage to the economy threatened by the complete shutdown of the country.
“The virus is spreading in France at a rate that not even the biggest pessimists predicted,” the president stressed.
“Like last spring, you can only leave home by going to work, to the doctor, helping a family member, shopping for essentials, or getting some fresh air outside,” Macron said.
According to him, people must bring written statements that indicate the reason why they left their home. This condition suggests that violators will be fined again.
“If we handle the situation better in two weeks, we can reassess and hopefully open some businesses, especially for the Christmas holidays,” the president said. “I hope we can celebrate Christmas and the New Year with the families.”
As in other European countries, France has seen an outbreak of COVID-19 cases of coronavirus infection in recent days, which can quickly exceed hospital capacity.
COVID-19 patients currently occupy more than 3,000 patients. beds in intensive care units. According to Macron, that number could rise to about 9,000 in November.
The president added that France will work to increase the number of intensive care beds to 10,000, there are currently about 5,800 available.
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