The French capital has to start a month-long Covid lockdown as the country fears the third wave. In the last 24 hours, France recorded more than 35000 cases in COVID-19.
About 21 million people in France’s 16 districts have affected by the covid from midnight Friday.
Mr. Castex said, “the third wave of infections in the country was becoming increasingly possible”. The situation in Paris is particularly worrying as there are 1,200 people in intensive care there, more than the peak of the second wave in November, said Health Minister Olivier Veran.
“These measures will not as strict as the previous lockdown”, said Prime Minister Jean Castex, and people have the right to exercise outdoors.
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Under the new measures, nonessential businesses will be forced to close, but schools will remain open with hairdressers if they follow “sanitary protocols”.
Government spokesman Gabriel Atal stressed that there would be differences from the previous two lockdowns. And said more details would be provided as to which companies could remain open or had to close.
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People are allowed to exercise within 10 km (6 miles) of their home and are not allowed to travel to other parts of the country unless they have a good reason. People are asked to fill out forms explaining why they left their homes.
Fear of a third wave arose as the French government criticized for its slow vaccine deployment.
From Friday, France will continue vaccination with the breakthrough AstraZeneca once the EMA announces it is ready for use. Mr. Castex said he would take the vaccine immediately to prove it was good.
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France called off the strike after a number of people in Europe reported blood clots after receiving the vaccine.
Polls conducted immediately after the suspension announcement found that only 20% of French people trusted AstraZeneca.
