Wednesday 28 October 2020

France Expected to Impose Four-week National Lockdown

THE GUARDIAN: Emmanuel Macron reportedly planning move after record number of new Covid cases

The French president, Emmanuel Macron, is expected to impose a new four-week national lockdown to halt the spread of Covid-19, according to French media.

The announcement would follow record numbers of new cases in France that have put pressure on hospitals, and a startling rise in coronavirus deaths.

Macron is due to make a televised address on Wednesday evening after holding a second emergency meeting with government ministers. The prime minister, Jean Castex, also met union leaders and opposition parties to justify the need for stricter measures.

Large swathes of France, including Paris, have been placed under a night-time curfew, but officials say this has not been enough to stop the virus. » | Kim Willshir | Wednesday, October 28, 2020