With the number of COVID-19 cases doubling every three days to surpass 5,000, French President Emmanuel Macron has declared a state of total lockdown, shutting the country’s borders to halt the virus’s spread.
Addressing the nation on Monday night, Macron characterized the situation as a wartime scenario, announcing a 15-day lockdown commencing at midday on Tuesday, during which 100,000 police officers would enforce movement restrictions.
Macron expressed, “Movements will be very strongly reduced” for the next 15 days, asserting that such stringent measures have never been necessary during peacetime in French history. He added, “You will no longer be able to see your loved ones… or continue your daily routine.”
While impacting around 67 million people, the lockdown allows individuals to leave their homes only for essential tasks, with any violation of the restrictions subject to punishment.
France’s Interior Minister Christophe Castaner later stated that individuals venturing outside “for any reason” must acquire a form detailing the purpose of their trip.
Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to £188.
With 5,500 confirmed coronavirus cases and 127 deaths, France currently ranks as the seventh-worst affected country.