Yahoo News France expected to announce second lockdown as daily deaths double overnight
France is expected to announce new lockdown measures on Wednesday evening amid an alarming surge in new Covid-19 cases and deaths.
More than 500 new coronavirus deaths were reported on Tuesday night, up from 257 the day before – the highest daily rise since May.
President Emmanuel Macron will address the nation at 8pm (7pm GMT) following meetings with the defence council and cabinet. The new lockdown could come into effect as early as midnight on Thursday, local media reported.
The latest announcement comes just two weeks after a curfew was imposed on Paris and eight other French cities, forbidding anyone from leaving their homes between 9pm and 6am.
The confinement measures appear to have had little impact on the spread of the deadly virus, with average daily cases more than doubling from 17,000 to 36,000 since they were announced.
Confirmed daily cases in France are now the highest in Europe, more than double the number of new infections reported in Spain and Italy.
The first national lockdown that began in mid-March lasted for two months and was among the strictest in the world.
Anyone leaving their home was required to carry a form with them stating their reason for being outside and were not allowed to travel more than 1km unless they were a key worker.
Schools and other childcare facilities were also closed, though the new lockdown rules are expected to be more flexible than before.
The new measures may limit lockdowns to certain badly hit areas, or only be in place for weekends.
Other speculation suggests that the announcement could extend the curfew nationally and make it come into effect at an earlier time.
Macron has been reluctant to introduce a new national lockdown due to the severe economic impact that comes with it.
Prime Minister Jean Castex described the need for new coronavirus containment measures as “indispensable” to avoid the loss of more lives and prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told France Inter radio: “We have to prepare for difficult decisions. At some point we have to make hard choices… as our neighbours have.”
Earlier this week, Spain responded to a spike in infections by declaring a national state of emergency and introducing a night-time curfew.
Italy has also imposed new restrictions in recent days, with cinemas, theatres and gyms closing to the public and cafes closing at 6pm.
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