France is to close its borders to countries outside the European Union from Sunday, but has stopped short of imposing a new lockdown as the country continues to battle the spread of coronavirus.
ADVERTISEMENTFrance is to close its borders to countries outside the European Union from Sunday, but has stopped short of imposing a new lockdown as the country continues to battle the spread of coronavirus.
Prime minister Jean Castex announced new measures on Friday, that will prohibit entry from non-EU countries “unless there are compelling reasons”, as he told France there was still a chance of avoiding another lockdown.
"We can still give ourselves a chance to avoid confinement," he said at the Elysee Palace at the end of a Defence Council meeting.
He warned “the question of a containment is legitimately raised” due to the number of COVID-19 cases the country is dealing with, stressing that “the next few days will be decisive”.
Those entering the country from the EU will need a negative PCR test the exception of cross-border workers.
On top of the travel restrictions, he announced a strengthening of controls on the 6pm curfew which is currently in place nationwide, parties, and the illegal opening of restaurants, so that "the excesses of a few do not...ruin the efforts of all".
An "instruction of particular firmness will be applied for those who defraud the rules in force," Castex said.
Non-food shopping centres of more than 20,000 square metres will also be shut.
France saw nearly 23,000 new COVID-19 infections on Friday and a high level of entries to hospitals and intensive care units.