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The French leader said the restrictions would take effect Thursday night and would 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.
“Action is needed now”
“It is necessary to act now,” the foreign minister said Wednesday, adding that the situation is “very serious.”
Starting November 2, a maximum of 10 people from a maximum of two households will be able to attend private meetings. All restaurants, bars, theaters, cinemas, swimming pools and gyms are also closed and concerts are canceled.
People will be asked not to travel for personal and unnecessary reasons, and hotel accommodation will only be allowed for business travelers. Schools and kindergartens will remain open.
Germany used to be praised for being able to keep infection and death rates lower than in most neighboring countries, but now the country is particularly affected by the second wave of the virus.
The country confirmed 14,694 cases of infection last day, the Robert Koch Institute said Wednesday.
The number of deaths per day has increased from 85 to 10,193. Fears have been raised about the country’s healthcare system, with Merkel previously warning that it could be completely stumbled if infection rates continue to rise.
“Our healthcare system today can still cope with today’s challenges, but at this rate of infection, it will reach its limits in a matter of weeks,” Merkel said.
He added that health officials were only able to identify 25 percent. the origin of the outbreaks, which means that it is difficult to say which aspects of social life contribute to the second wave of the virus.
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