PARIS (AP) – France says it will close its borders from Sunday to people coming from outside the European Union to try to stop the growing spread of new variants of the virus and prevent a third blockade.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced the new measure Friday evening after an emergency government meeting on health protection in the presidential palace, warning of a “high risk” of the new variants.
Anyone coming from other EU countries will have to submit a negative virus test, he said.
France already had restrictions on cross-border travel due to the virus and imposed stricter controls at airports and ports last week. International tourism to France has dwindled to a stream due to the pandemic, and restaurants and tourist sites have been closed since October, as have many hotels.
France will also close all major shopping centers from Sunday and limit travel to and from its overseas territories.
Castex ordered more intensive police checks on those who violate the French 12-hour curfew, hold secret parties or reopen restaurants in spite of a closure order since October.
Virus infections, hospitalizations, and deaths have steadily increased in recent weeks, but not sharply in France, and many doctors have pushed for another nationwide shutdown, as in several other European countries.
Referring to the economic devastation of such measures, Castex said, “It is our duty to do everything possible to avoid another lockdown, and the next few days will be decisive.”
France ranks among the world’s highest virus deaths with 75,620 fatalities, and more than 60% of intensive care beds are occupied by virus patients.
“More than ever, we must do everything we can to respect the rules,” said Castex.