PM urges France 'not to let down guard' to prevent new virus lockdown
- In parts of the city it is now obligatory to wear masks outside to limit the contagion, a move that local authorities can now impose themselves.
LILLE: Prime Minister Jean Castex on Monday urged France "not to let down its guard" in the fight against the coronavirus in order to prevent the need for a new national lockdown, as concern grows over a recent surge in cases.
"The virus has not gone on holiday and neither have we," the premier said on a visit to the northeastern city of Lille.
"We need to protect ourselves against this virus, without putting a stop to our economic and social life, in other words avoiding the risk of a new generalised lockdown."
France, which has registered over 30,000 deaths from the COVID-19 epidemic, recorded thousands of new cases last week prompting some regions to reimpose local restrictions.
"We are seeing an increase in the figures for the epidemic which should make us more attentive than ever, and this is the case," Castex said.
"I call on every French person to remain very vigilant. The fight against the virus depends of course on the state, local communities, institutions, but also on each of us," he added.
The city of Lille, a bustling hub close to the Belgian border, has been the subject of particular concern with the prevalence of the virus doubling to 38 people per 100,000 people over the last two weeks.
In parts of the city it is now obligatory to wear masks outside to limit the contagion, a move that local authorities can now impose themselves.
As well as in Lille, outdoor mask wearing is now obligatory in parts of the northern region of Mayenne, as well as the popular coastal summer tourist destinations of Biarritz, Saint-Malo and Le Touquet.
The French government has been determined to encourage citizens to go on holiday this year, especially within the country, in the hope of giving some help to an economy that contracted by a whopping 13.8 percent in the second quarter.
But officials are keenly aware that the opening up brings risks and the government has been troubled by scenes especially of young people partying at close quarters outdoors in holiday spots.
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