France to go into national lockdown from Friday

France will go into national lockdown starting from Friday to stem the second wave of the coronavirus epidemic, President Emmanuel Macron announced on Wednesday evening.

For the new lockdown, the only authorized out-of-home trips will be “to go to work, to a medical appointment, to provide assistance, to go shopping or to take the air,” said Macron in a televised address to the nation.

For the new lockdown, the only authorized out-of-home trips will be “to go to work, to a medical appointment, to provide assistance, to go shopping or to take the air,” said Macron.

The restrictive measures would affect universities, libraries, bars, cafes, restaurants, gyms, etc. Public gatherings are banned and cultural ceremonies and conferences are suspended, according to the president.

Unlike during the first lockdown, nurseries, primary schools and middle schools will remain open, said Macron, as “our children would not be lastingly deprived of education, of contact with the school system.”