15 Oct
The French government is to restore a state of public health emergency that expired three months ago and impose a nightly curfew in some cities, including Paris.
The announcement on Wednesday comes as France confirmed nearly 27,000 new coronavirus cases four days ago, by far exceeding the daily tally reported in the spring.
Coronavirus patients who have developed serious conditions are increasingly occupying ICU beds nationwide.
The government declared a new public health state of emergency that will allow the government to limit travel. The emergency will be effective as of Saturday.
In a TV interview, President Emmanuel Macron revealed that the curfew will be imposed from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. in nine areas worst affected by the coronavirus, including Paris and its surrounding areas as well as the eastern city of Lyon for at least four weeks from Saturday .
Violators are to be fined 135 euros, or nearly 160 dollars.
The measure will drastically restrict businesses, including restaurants, cafes and movie theaters.
Macron called for public understanding, saying, "The message I want to send is that I need each of you, we need each other, to find solutions."
As Europe battles the second wave of the coronavirus, countries have introduced restrictions to curb the spread of the pandemic.
NHK
