France is entering a new phase of onerous COVID-19 restrictions, even as anti-lockout protests erupt across Europe.
As of Friday night, residents in Paris and northern France must obtain permission to walk more than 6 miles from their home; non-essential stores are closed; and it is forbidden to travel between regions “for no compelling reason,” according to reports.
“The situation is deteriorating,” Prime Minister Jean Castex said, referring to rising COVID-19 infection rates.
But the French government backed the more restrictive measures first offered on Thursday, perhaps in response to growing outrage with blockades in Europe.
Austria, England, Germany, Finland, Romania and Switzerland have witnessed protests in recent days.
Kassel, Germany, saw 20,000 people protest on Saturday, while 1,800 police officers were waiting for a possible protest in Berlin, The Associated Press reported. According to Reuters, up to 10,000 people protested and 13 were arrested in London on Saturday.