New epidemiological measures: French government closes catering facilities in more than 10 cities

(Patria) – The French port city of Marseille, nearby Aix en Provence, as well as the island of Guadeloupe, temporarily closed all catering facilities on Sunday evening in an attempt to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

This ban, which will initially be in effect for 14 days, is part of a set of measures adopted by the French government for 11 cities, including Paris, where bars must close at 10:00 PM.

The infection rate and the number of hospitalizations in these areas are constantly increasing; however, the government has met with resistance from the local population due to the new measures – masses of citizens protested in front of the court in Marseille on Friday, while owners of some businesses threatened to ignore the closure orders.

There is also discontent in Paris, where owners of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and hotels gathered to protest against the tightening of measures. 

At the same time, representatives of the local healthcare system do not hide their fears that the healthcare system could once again 'bend' under the pressure of growing needs arising from the second wave of the epidemic.

France recorded more than 16,000 new infections on Thursday alone, while more than 10% of intensive care unit beds are occupied by patients infected with the coronavirus.

With 31,511 deaths from Covid-19, France is among the countries at the very top of the European rankings.