France returns to full quarantine and with curfew to stop third wave of coronavirus

French government extend the measures against Covid-19 from Saturday already in force in 19 departments across the country, for four weeks, announced on Wednesday Emmanuel Macron.

“From Saturday afternoon and for four weeks, the braking measures already in force in 19 departments will be extended to the entire metropolitan territory,” announced the president via his Twitter account.

From this Saturday evening and for 4 weeks, the braking measures already in force in 19 departments will be extended throughout the metropolitan area. pic.twitter.com/NaYUKv65o8

– Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) March 31, 2021

These measures include closing non-essential stores, boosting teleworking and banning traveling more than 10 kilometers unless it is for “compelling reason”.

In contrast, secondary schools and institutes will close next Monday, the AFP news agency reported. The government has also banned interregional movements since April 5.

France is fighting to stop the third wave of the pandemic, which has put health services, in particular emergency services, at the limit of their capacities.

To do this, the government will increase the number of intensive care beds to 10,000 units, instead of the 7,655 already in use today, Macron added.

“With medical students, retirees, the army, volunteers from the health reserve, we will increase the number of resuscitation beds to over 10,000,” Macron tweeted.