PARIS (AP) – France says its border closes for people arriving from outside the European Union on Sunday to try to stem the growing spread of new variants of the virus and prevent a third exclusion.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced the new measure on Friday night after an emergency meeting for the government’s health security in the presidential palace, and warned of a ‘major risk’ of the new variant.
All those who come from other EU countries must pass a negative virus test, he said.
France already had restrictions on border travel due to the virus, and last week introduced stricter controls at airports and ports. International tourism to France has failed a bit due to the pandemic, and restaurants and tourist sites have been closed along with many hotels since October.
France will also close all major shopping centers from Sunday, restricting travel to and from its overseas territories.
Castex has ordered police to crack down on those who violate France’s 12-hour daylight hours, hold secret parties or reopen restaurants, in defiance of a closure order that has been in effect since October.
Viral infections, hospitalizations and deaths have increased gradually but not sharply in recent weeks, and many doctors have called for a new nationwide strike, such as that introduced in several other European countries.
Referring to the economic devastation of such measures, Castex said: “Our duty is to put everything in place to prevent a new exclusion, and the coming days will be crucial.”
France has the highest mortality rate for the world, with 75,620 reported, and more than 60% of its intensive care beds are occupied by virus patients.
“More than ever before, we must do everything we can to respect the rules,” Castex said.