Paris, January 1st The French government decided on the 1st to extend the curfew in 15 provinces to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.
Meanwhile, officials began to investigate a New Year’s Eve carnival in Brittany, northwest France, with at least 2,500 people.
Attal, a spokesman of the French government, said on the same day that in order to curb the spread of the virus, the government has strengthened control measures and extended the curfew in 15 provinces, including Alpes-Mari-Mer, Du and Jura. The curfew in these 15 provinces is from 8 p.m. to 6 p.m.
The curfew in 15 provinces begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 6 a.m. the next day. The daily curfew period is extended from 10 hours to 12 hours. The measure will enter into force on the 2nd.
Attal said that after the extension of the curfew period in 15 provinces, the travel regulations of the people remain unchanged, and travel certificates are still required for going out during the curfew.
Attal said there are differences in the rate at which the coronavirus spreads across France. It is understood that the 15 provinces that extended the curfew period are mainly concentrated in eastern France, which have higher levels of viral infection than other parts of France.
Attal also confirmed that it was “impossible” to reopen cultural sites on the 7th of this month. He said that the French Ministry of Culture is consulting with relevant departments to determine a timetable for the reopening of new cultural venues.
Museums, theaters, cinemas and other cultural venues have been closed since October 30 last year after the second “lockdown” of France.
French officials reported on the 1st that there was a New Year’s Eve carnival in violation of the curfew in the town of Lieuron in the Brittany region. Preliminary statistics show that at least 2,500 people participated.
AFP reported that the carnival was held in the warehouse of a local warehouse company, with participants from all over France, as well as British and Spaniards.
Local police tried to stop the carnival and clashed with the participants. Some participants acknowledged that few people at the event observed social distancing.
The revelations of the carnival have attracted attention from all walks of life in France and raised concerns that large gatherings in violation of the curfew may lead to the spread of the virus.
French officials have launched an investigation into illegal organizations’ carnival and violent confrontation against police law enforcement.
French Interior Minister Dalmanin held a special meeting on the evening of the 1st to discuss how to deal with relevant incidents.
