France is entering a new phase of severe COVID-19 restrictions, even as anti-lockdown protests erupt all over Europe.
Starting Friday evening, residents of Paris and Northern France must be allowed to walk more than 6 miles from their home; non-essential stores are closed; and travel between regions has been banned “for no compelling reason,” according to reports.
“The situation is getting worse,” said Prime Minister Jean Castex, referring to rising COVID-19 infection rates.
But the French government pulled back on more restrictive measures first offered Thursday, perhaps in response to growing outrage with lockdowns in Europe.
Austria, England, Germany, Finland, Romania and Switzerland have all witnessed protests in recent days.
Kassel, Germany saw 20,000 people protest on Saturday, while 1,800 police officers in Berlin awaited a possible protest, The Associated Press reported. According to Reuters, up to 10,000 people protested and 13 were arrested in London on Saturday.