Travel ban will come into force from Sunday to attempt to limit the spread of new covid variant. (File)
Paris, France:
French Prime Minister Jean Castex on Friday stated the nation would close its borders to non-European Union nations for all except important travel, even though stepping back from a broadly anticipated third lockdown.
The travel ban will come into force from Sunday to attempt to limit the spread of new variant circumstances of coronavirus from abroad.
Castex, speaking following a meeting of the country’s defence council, stated he was not announcing a fresh national lockdown for now, adding that “the next few days will be decisive” in terms of any probable new restrictions.
President Emmanuel Macron added: “Lockdown is a legitimate question… (but) we all know the heavy impact that has on all fronts.”
In an try to stem the quantity of new infections, Castex stated large buying centres — excluding these promoting meals — would be closed from Sunday and enforcement of the existing 6pm curfew would be stepped up.
“More police and gendarmes will be mobilised to check non-compliance with the curfew, the organisation of clandestine parties and the illegal opening of restaurants.”
He stated only important travel would be permitted to and from non-EU nations and all arrivals in France from inside the bloc except cross-border workers would be essential to show a adverse PCR test.
The requirement was previously imposed for air and sea travellers but would now also apply to these travelling by land also.
With schools and shops nevertheless open but restaurants and bars closed, France has fewer restrictions than some European neighbours.
The government, nevertheless, has been conscious of expanding fatigue amongst the public and alarm at the prospect of a third lockdown.
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