"Additional measures will be made starting this weekend". This Wednesday March 17, 2021, a new Health Council took place to address the health crisis, followed by a ministerial council. At the end of the council, government spokesman Gabriel Attal shared a report on topics addressed. Instating strict lockdown or only at weekend in Île-de-France, as well as Hauts-de-France is becoming more obvious.
First, he addressed the evolution of the health situation, and reminded that the "epidemic situation has been degrading" over the past days, especially in Île-de-France and in Hauts-de-France. As for restrictions to come, Attal confirmed "additional, fitted and pragmatic measures int he hardest-hit territories" stressing out that "new measures might even implement lockdown". He then said to wait for "tomorrow's press briefing" to find out more about formal decisions on the matter.
As for a likely weekend lockdown in Paris, Attal confirmed the executive was "speaking with local elected representatives". He once again stated that "additional curbing measures" have been decided, even though precise modalities of these restrictions are yet to be "discussed with local players this afternoon". President Macron is expected to decide between a strict 24/7 lockdown and weekend lockdown.
For the record, in mainland France, partial lockdown at weekends has been decreed in Alpes-Maritimes and around Dunkirk, as in overseas departments, Mayotte is back into lockdown and curfew is implemented in Reunion.
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