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Corona virus: curfew in France tagesschau.de

French President Macron has announced that there will be a curfew of at least 14 days from today. He also said that the EU will close its borders for 30 days due to the corona virus.

By Sabine Wachs, ARD Studio Paris

In the fight against the further spread of the corona virus, France’s President Macron has announced the closure of the EU’s external borders and the Schengen area. Macron said that this was a joint agreement with the Europeans. Travel between non-European countries and the EU should be suspended for 30 days.

Macron also announced drastic restrictions on freedom of movement for France. Interior Minister Christophe Castaner explained the details of the curfew: it will apply from midday today across the country. The people in France can then only leave the house in important cases. According to Castaner, to go to work when working from home is not possible, to go to the doctor, or to do some shopping. Sports activities are also allowed outdoors. For example jogging alone, but not playing soccer in a group.

Two-week curfew

Hundreds of thousands of police officers and gendarmes are supposed to monitor the curfew. Interior Minister Castaner has announced fixed and mobile controls across the country. Anyone who violates the curfew can be fined between 38 and 135 euros. Anyone who is outside their home after the curfew begins should have to show in writing that the exit is necessary. The government provides downloadable forms for this purpose, but also accepts handwritten forms for anyone who does not have a computer and Internet access.

Exceptions should apply to family reunification, for example, for separated parents who want to see their children and also for journalists. Maintaining freedom of the press and guaranteeing that journalists can continue to ensure reporting is essential, Castaner said. President Macron had previously said:

“We are at war. We are not fighting against an army or against another nation. But the enemy is there and he is growing. He is not visible, but we have to face it resolutely. All the work of the government and the parliament must focus on fighting the enemy. “

Macorn announced that all government reform projects, including controversial pension reform, will be suspended for the time being. The President appealed to everyone to keep their social contacts to a minimum. Every Frenchman not only has responsibility for himself, but also for his fellow human beings. Slowing the spread of the corona virus is a top priority.

Local elections are postponed

The President also announced the postponement of the second round of local elections. He didn’t give a new date. The second round should have taken place next Sunday. On Thursday, Macron, in consultation with scientific experts, decided to hold the first round of local elections. The turnout last Sunday was around 44 percent. It was the lowest participation in a local election in the history of the fifth republic.

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