France shuts its borders to non-EU countries including Britain for all but essential travel – while ruling out a third national lockdown
France will shut its borders to all non-EU countries, including Britain, for all but essential travel, but has ruled out a third national lockdown.
French Prime Minister Jean Castex made the announcement on Friday, saying that the travel ban will come into force from Sunday to try to limit the spread of new variant cases of coronavirus from abroad.
Castex, speaking after a meeting of the country’s defence council, said he was not announcing a fresh national lockdown for now, adding that ‘the next few days will be decisive’ in terms of any possible new restrictions.
President Emmanuel Macron added: ‘Lockdown is a legitimate question… (but) we all know the heavy impact that has on all fronts.’
France’s decision to close its borders to countries outside the EU does not apply to hauliers travelling between the United Kingdom and France, British transport minister Grant Shapps said following the news on Friday.
‘French PM Jean Castex has announced that France is to close its borders to all countries outside the EU from Sunday. However, I can confirm that this does NOT apply to hauliers, so trade will continue to flow smoothly,’ Shapps said on Twitter
French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced that France will shut its borders to all non-EU countries, including Britain, for all but essential travel, but has ruled out a third lockdown
In an attempt to stem the number of new infections, Castex said big shopping centres – excluding those selling food – would be closed from Sunday and enforcement of the current 6pm curfew would be stepped up.
‘More police and gendarmes will be mobilised to check non-compliance with the curfew, the organisation of clandestine parties and the illegal opening of restaurants.’
He said only essential travel would be allowed to and from non-EU countries and all arrivals in France from inside the bloc except cross-border workers would be required to show a negative PCR test.
France has reported among the world’s highest virus death tolls, at 75,620, and more than 60 percent of its intensive care beds are occupied by virus patients
The requirement was previously imposed for air and sea travellers but would now also apply to those travelling by land too.
With schools and shops still open but restaurants and bars closed, France has fewer restrictions than some European neighbours.
The government, however, has been aware of growing fatigue among the public and alarm at the prospect of a third lockdown.
France has reported among the world’s highest virus death tolls, at 75,620, and more than 60 percent of its intensive care beds are occupied by virus patients.
‘More than ever we should do everything to respect the rules,’ Castex said.
The Czech Republic is also banning foreigners from entering the country for non-essential reasons in an effort to contain the pandemic.
The Foreign Ministry said the ban, which becomes effective on Saturday, applies for all countries.
The exceptions to the ban include those who work or study in the country. Trips to the country to visit relatives and nursing homes, receive medical care and attend weddings and funerals are also allowed.
The ban is part of a series of new restrictive measures that are tightening the country’s lockdown.
Earlier in January, the day-to-day increase in coronavirus cases in the country was gradually declining after hitting a record high of nearly 18,000 on January 6. But the numbers did not drop enough and started to rise again this week.
The government is also worried about the potential impact of the more contagious British variant on the health system, which has been under serious pressure for months.