France to close schools, ban domestic travel as virus surges
French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced a three-week nationwide school closure and a month-long domestic travel ban, as the rapid spread of the virus ramped up pressure on hospitals. In a televised address to the nation, Macron said efforts are needed as the epidemic is accelerating. "We're going to close nursery, elementary and high schools for three weeks," he said.
Nationwide 7 pm-6 am curfew will stay in place
"A nationwide 7 pm-6 am curfew will be kept in place," Macron added. "If we stay united in the coming weeks, then we will see light at the end of the tunnel," he said. Macron said restrictions already applying in the Paris region and other parts of north and eastern France will be extended to the whole country, for at least one month.
Leisurely travel restricted to a 10-kilometer radius from homes
Under these restrictions, people are allowed to go outside for leisure, but within a 10-kilometer (6 miles) radius from their homes and without gathering. Also, most non-essential shops are closed down. The move is a departure from the government's policy in recent months, which has focused on regionalized restrictions. School closures in particular had been seen as a very last resort.
Situation in hospitals is the main deciding factor
A debate is scheduled in parliament for Thursday to address the virus situation and new measures. "The key factor in our decision-making remains the situation in hospitals," government spokesman Gabriel Attal said on Wednesday after Macron hosted his weekly coronavirus strategy meeting and Cabinet meeting.
Will not refuse care to any sick patients: Macron
"After Paris hospital officials warned they would have to start refusing needy patients for lack of space, one thing is clear- France will not refuse care to any sick patients," Macron said. "Choosing patients is not an option," he added. Notably, previous nationwide lockdowns in March and October 2020 were announced by Macron in televised speeches.
ICU beds will be increased from 7K to 10K
The total number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care in France surged past 5,000 on Tuesday, the first time in 11 months that the figure has been that high. Macron on Wednesday further said that the numbers of hospital ICU beds will be increased in the coming days from the current 7,000 to 10,000.
Hope we don't have to make choices between patients: Doctor
After an overnight shift at an ICU in the northern French city of Amiens, Dr. Pauline Caillard described growing numbers of patients and mounting strain on medical staff. "It is moving very fast. I hope we don't have to make choices between patients," she said.
Overnight curfew has been in place since January
The renewed surge of infections has led to growing questions about Macron's virus strategies. With presidential elections scheduled for 2022, Macron is having to weigh both political and health considerations. An overnight nationwide curfew has been in place since January, and all France's restaurants, bars, gyms, cinemas, and museums have been closed since October.
