Schools to close, domestic travel banned in France

PARIS: French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday announced a three-week nationwide school closure and a one-month domestic travel ban to fight the spread of the coronavirus.

In a televised address to the nation, Macron said efforts are needed as “the epidemic is accelerating”.

The move is a departure from the government’s policy in recent months, which has focused on regionalised restrictions.

Macron said restrictions already applying in the Paris region and elsewhere will be extended next week to the whole country, for at least one month.

Under these restrictions, people are allowed to go outside for leisure, but within a 10-kilometre (6 miles) radius from their homes — and without socialising.

In addition, Macron promised to speed up the vaccination campaign by giving access to all people aged 60 and over in mid-April, those aged 50 and over in mid-May and the rest of the population a month later.

So far, France has prioritised people living in nursing homes and those aged 70 and over, as well as health care workers and people with serious health conditions.

The renewed surge of infections has led to growing questions about Macron's virus strategies.

With presidential elections scheduled for 2022, Macron is having to weigh both political and health considerations.