Because of the increase of new Covid-19 cases in the country, Paris and its inner suburbs have just been listed as maximum alert areas. A press conference took place on Monday October 5 to announce new restrictions implemented in order to curb the coronavirus epidemic in the country. In addition to the closure of swimming pools, the ban of shows, and even student parties, Paris Police Prefect Didier Lallement has announced the total closure of bars statring Tuesday October 6 and for at least two weeks, that is to say until October 19, 2020. This measure applies to Paris, as well as Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne
"Then, I make a whole series of measures aiming at limiting risky activities" Didier Lallement said confirming that "starting from tomorrow, bars will remain shut" in Paris. "Restaurants can remain open as usual given strict respect of a new health protocol" that will be precised later today, he added.
For the record, the city of Paris was listed on reinforced alert zone until October 3. So far, bars were open but had to close at 10 p.m. A measure confirmed on September 25 by the Police Prefecture in a message sent to arrondissement mayors: "We'll use maximum flexibility granted to prefects as for the closings hours of bars, naming 10 p.m.".
We can guess how confused Parisian bar owners are, as they were already jeopardized by the coronavirus crisis.
