A severe blow for the country. Even though some people were expecting a tougher curfew, Emmanuel Macron ultimately decided to implement a new national lockdown starting in the night from Thursday to Friday. This new lockdown is to be up for at least a month. But the head of State said the new lockdown will be adapted. Therefore, daycares and schools will remain open.
To “avoid the human tragedies experienced in Spring, that people on their own, at the end of their lives, happen to be fully isolated”, the President said that nursing homes and retirement homes will remain open to visitors “in the strictest respect of the health guidelines”.
Yet, buildings receiving the public, such as bars, restaurants, non-necessary stores have to close.
Another statement? Borders. Emmanuel Macron stated that France’s borders with the Schengen area will remain open. “Our internal borders with the European area will remain open” the head of State said. “And excluding exceptions, the external borders will remain closed. Of course, French abroad will be free to get back to the country”. Furthermore, “quick mandatory tests” will also be deployed “for all arrivals” in “harbors, airports” and for “international trips”.
“No traveler shall enter the country as long as we are not sure they are not carrying the virus”, Emmanuel Macron insisted.
During a new press brief on October 29, Prime Minister Jean Castex confirmed the news. “Internal borders with the European area will remain open. Excluding exceptions, the external borders will be closed, excluding trips from French citizens and residents in France” he said.
