Health

A third of France begins 3rd lockdown of pandemic

Paris, Mar 20 (efe-epa).- A third of the French population on Saturday began their third lockdown since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic a year ago.

Unlike the previous two lockdowns,  this time the restrictions, which affect 16 departments, including the capital Paris, are less restrictive, as they will only see non-essential businesses close.

People will still be allowed outdoors, although travel between the country’s regions has been limited to essential journeys. The restrictions ban all non-essential travel beyond a radius of 10 kilometers from home.

Those who do need to travel will need to download an affidavit on their phones to justify their trip, although officials have said the process will be simplified amid widespread complaints of the new system.

“We recognize that the justification is complex to fill out,” Interior Ministry spokeswoman Camille Chaize told France Info radio.

The new measures, which will last at least a month, affect just over 20 million citizens, who are forbidden to leave their apartments, although they can go for walks or attend essential activities.

In these departments, a curfew is also in force, starting on Saturday at 7 p.m.

In total, according to data from the economy ministry, 90,000 more establishments will have to close, joining bars, restaurants and other entertainment venues, which have not been allowed to open since October. EFE-EPA

lmpg/ks

Related Articles

Back to top button