PARIS (AP) – France says it is closing its borders to people arriving from outside the European Union from Sunday to try to stop the growing spread of new variants of the virus and prevent a third blockade.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced the new measure Friday night after an emergency government health security meeting at the presidential palace, warning of a “high risk” of the new variants.
He said all those arriving from other EU countries will have to take a negative virus test.
France already had limits on cross-border travel due to the virus and imposed tougher controls at airports and ports last week. International tourism to France has been slowly declining due to the pandemic and restaurants and tourist sites have been closed since October along with many hotels.
France will also close all major shopping centers from Sunday and limit travel to and from its overseas territories.
Castex ordered an intensified police check of people who violate the curfew in France 12 hours a day, hold secret parties or reopen restaurants defying a closure order in force since October.
Virus infections, hospitalizations and deaths have risen steadily, but not sharply, in France in recent weeks and many doctors have called for a new national shutdown like those imposed in several other European countries.
Citing the economic devastation of these measures, Castex said: “It is our duty to put everything in place to prevent a new closure and the next few days will be decisive.”
France has reported the highest numbers of virus deaths in the world, with 75,620, and more than 60% of its intensive care beds are occupied by virus patients.
“More than ever we should do everything to abide by the rules,” Castex said.