France says people must stay home to slow spread of virus
Lorne Cook | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 4 years, 8 months AGO
Tourist cross the Champs Elysees avenue in Paris, Monday, March 16, 2020. France's government announced Saturday closing restaurants, bars and other establishments to limit the spread of the new coronavirus. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
People with a protective masks line up at a supermarket in Paris, Monday, March 16, 2020. France's government announced Saturday closing restaurants, bars and other establishments to limit the spread of the new coronavirus. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
French President Emmanuel Macron gives a TV address to the nation announcing sweeping new measures to stem the spread of the new COVID-19 virus, saying people haven't complied with earlier public health measures and “we are at war”, in Paris Monday March 16, 2020. France is imposing nationwide restrictions on how far from their homes people can go, and for what purpose, as part of the country's strategy to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, but for some it can cause more severe illness, especially in ol…
A man who called the rescue team for a respiratory distress is being treated Monday March 16, 2020 in Strasbourg, eastern France. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)
A man wearing a mask leaves a drugstore Monday March 16, 2020 in Strasbourg, eastern France. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)
Eve an Australian tourist, who cover her face with a scarf and refused to be named with her family name, takes a cell phone photo of the closed Chateau de Versaille, west of Paris, Monday, March 16, 2020. France's government announced Saturday closing restaurants, bars and other establishments to limit the spread of the new coronavirus. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)
A woman walks through the main square in Lille, northern France, Monday, March 16, 2020. France's government announced Saturday closing restaurants, bars and other establishments to limit the spread of the new coronavirus. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. (AP Photo/Michel Spingler)
A man wearing a protective mask waits for a train at the nearly empty Central station in Brussels, Monday, March 16, 2020. Belgium has closed schools, restaurants and bars as well as cancelled cultural and sporting events in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus. For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. (AP Photo/Olivier Matthys)
a person pass a display with "Coronavirus Hotlines" at the metro station in Vienna, Austria, Monday, March 16, 2020. The austrian government restricts freedom of movement. Only for most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak)
A patient in a biocontainment unit is carried on a stretcher at the Columbus Covid 2 Hospital in Rome, Monday, March 16, 2020. The new Columbus Covid 2 Hospital, an area fully dedicated to the COVID-19 cases at the Gemelli university polyclinic, opened today with 21 new ICU units and 32 new beds, in order to support the regional health authorities in trying to contain the pandemic. Sign at top in Italian reads "Admission COVID 19". For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness, especially in older adults and peo…
A giant graffiti depicting medical staff holding a figure shaped as a boot representing Italy and reading " To you all… Thanks", is painted on a side of the Brescia hospital, Italy, Monday, March 16, 2020. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some, it can cause more severe illness, especially in older adults and people with existing health problems. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
Photographers move around in a nearly empty press room as European Council President Charles Michel, right, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, left, speak after a video-conference with G7 leaders at the European Council building in Brussels, Monday, March 16, 2020. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants the European Union to put in place a 30-day ban on people entering the bloc for non-essential travel reasons in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and coug…
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addresses the media after a video-conference with G7 leaders at the European Council building in Brussels, Monday, March 16, 2020. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants the European Union to put in place a 30-day ban on people entering the bloc for non-essential travel reasons in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe i…
European Council President Charles Michel addresses the media after a video-conference with G7 leaders at the European Council building in Brussels, Monday, March 16, 2020. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen wants the European Union to put in place a 30-day ban on people entering the bloc for non-essential travel reasons in an effort to curb the spread of coronavirus. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, i…
A commuter wearing a face mask and protective gloves waits at the platform of Atocha train station in Madrid, Spain, Monday, March 16, 2020. Streets and roads in and around Madrid were considerably emptier on Monday, the first working day under the new state of emergency lock-down imposed by the Spanish government over the weekend. But a significant slow down in the frequency of commuting trains resulted in considerable crowds gathering in Atocha, one of the capital's main train stations at early morning rush hour, prompting immediate online criticism to authorities for not enforcing the orde…
Pallbearers wait outside a cemetery in Bergamo, northern Italy, Monday, March 16, 2020. Bergamo is one of the cities most hit by the new coronavirus outbreak in northern Italy. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness.(Claudio Furlan/LaPresse via AP)
An employee of the Stadtwerke Gruppe Halle/Saale cleans and disinfects a bus of the Hallesche Verkehrs AG, the local public transport Halle/Saale, Germany, Monday, March 16, 2020. All of the local transport company's scheduled vehicles are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected every day. This applies in particular to contact surfaces such as handrails, handles, steering wheels and ticket machines. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe…
French President Emmanuel Macron gives a TV address to the nation announcing sweeping new measures to stem the spread of the new COVID-19 virus, saying people haven't complied with earlier public health measures and “we are at war”, in Paris Monday March 16, 2020. France is imposing nationwide restrictions on how far from their homes people can go, and for what purpose, as part of the country's strategy to stop the spread of the new coronavirus. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, but for some it can cause more severe illness, especially in ol…
Prime Minister Boris Johnson gives a press conference about the ongoing situation with the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic at 10 Downing Street in London, Monday March 16, 2020. According to the World Health Organization, the vast majority of people recover from the new COVID-19 coronavirus in about two to six weeks depending on the severity of the illness. (Richard Pohle/Pool via AP)
Staff from The Prince Edward Theatre in London, inform theatregoers that all performances are cancelled because of the threat of COVID-19 virus, Monday March 16, 2020. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said Monday that “now is the time for everyone to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel.” saying people should "avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other such social venues." For most people, the coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, but for some it can cause a more severe illness, especially in older adults and people with pre-existin…
Health workers react as people applaud from their houses in support of the medical staff that are working in COVID-19 outbreak in Barcelona, Spain, Monday, March 16, 2020. Spain is restoring border controls and severely restricting who can enter the country. Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska announced Monday that from midnight only Spaniards or residents in Spain, people who work just across the border or who have a compelling need will be allowed through. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness. (AP Photo/…
People, keeping a distance, queue in line in front of a shop downtown Madrid, Monday, March 16, 2020. Millions of people are holing up at home, stocking up on supplies and keeping a wary eye on how close they get to friends and neighbors as the coronavirus spreads to more places. According to the World Health Organization, most people recover in about two to six weeks, depending on the severity of the illness. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue)
A German police officer checks authorization for a woman to enter Germany at the German-France border in Kehl, Monday March 16, 2020. Germany partially closes its borders with France, Switzerland, Austria, Luxembourg and Denmark as it steps up efforts to stem the spread of the new coronavirus. For most people, the new coronavirus causes only mild or moderate symptoms. For some it can cause more severe illness. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)
PARIS (AP) — France said Monday that it would follow other European countries in confining residents mostly to their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, while the European Union considered closing its external borders to foreign travelers to impede infections.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that starting on Tuesday, people would be allowed to leave the place they live only for necessary activities such as shopping for food, going to work or taking a walk.
"From tomorrow at noon and for at least 15 days, our trips will be greatly reduced" Macron said in a televised address.
Macron said the government would provide further details, but he told the French people that everyone should stay at home, go out just for the "bare essentials" and commute to work only if working from home isn't feasible.
Anyone caught violating the new measures will be punished, he said.
The restrictions appeared to put France under a lockdown similar to the ones imposed last week in Italy and Spain in response to the virus. While the restrictions are in effect, residential gatherings with family and friends will be prohibited, the president said.
“We are at war,” Macron said repeatedly in his address.
French Interior Minister Christophe Castaner subsequently specified that all people circulating on France's streets will have to justify, upon request, why they were out and about. Forms stating the purpose of “essential” outside travel — such as going to the bakery to buy a baguette — will be available for downloading, Castaner said.
People without valid reasons will be subject fines ranging from 38-135 euros ($43-$151), the minister said. Castaner said 100,000 police would be deployed in the coming days to enforce the lockdown.
The French plan was announced almost a week after a nationwide lockdown took effect in Italy, the country with the most reported virus cases in the world except for China.
Spain followed suit over the weekend, while other EU nations have adopted ad hoc national measures, including partial border closures.
As of earlier Monday, six of the 10 countries with the highest numbers of reported virus cases worldwide are in Europe: Italy, Spain, Germany, France, Switzerland and the U.K. France has reported a total of 6,633 cases, including 148 deaths.
British authorities also ramped up public health measures Monday, telling people who are in the groups considered most vulnerable to severe COVID-19 illness to stay at home for three months.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson said people with “the most serious health conditions” should be “shielded” from social contacts for 12 weeks, starting this weekend. He mentioned people over 70, those with chronic illnesses and pregnant women as particularly at risk.
It was unclear whether everyone in the those groups was being told to stay home for 12 weeks. Johnson said the government was advising the entire population “to stop non-essential contact with others and to stop all unnecessary travel.”
"You should avoid pubs, clubs, theaters and other such social venues," he said at a news conference alongside his chief medical and scientific advisers.
For most people, the virus causes only mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough. For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia.
While national governments across Europe have taken a range of measures to contain the virus from moving into and within their countries, the 27 members of the European Union are looking at closing the EU's external borders to most foreign travelers.
In recent days, the EU has been urging its members to put common health screening procedures in place at internal borders but not to block shipments of medical equipment. EU officials fear that countries acting alone and without coordination might make things more difficult for neighbors whose health-care systems are already creaking.
The proposed travel restrictions will be put to to the bloc's 27 leaders at a summit to be held via video-conference Tuesday. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the plan calls for them to be in place for an initial period of 30 days.
Exemptions could be given to long-term residents in the EU, border area workers, family members of European nationals and diplomats. British citizens would not be included in the ban, even though the country officially withdrew from the EU on Jan. 31
“Essential staff such as doctors, nurses, care workers, researchers and experts that help address the coronavirus should continue to be allowed in the EU," von der Leyen said.
Transport workers also could receive exemptions to ensure supplies of “essential items such as medicine, but also food and components that our factories need," she said.
Asked whether she thinks Europe will return to having its passport-free travel area once the pandemic subsides, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said she hoped so and noted that so far "coordination didn't work well everywhere the way one would have hoped.”
Merkel added that public health strategies in the EU should guarantee goods flow freely and ensure that Europeans can continue making cross-border commutes for work.
“We will certainly need to continue talking (about this) in a European format," she said. "But from our perspective, these are time-limited measures that serve to reduce the risk of infection.”
Germany was preparing to shut non-essential shops, bars, museums and many other facilities and to limit restaurant opening times. Merkel’s office said Monday that overnight hotel stays will be allowed only for “necessary and expressly not for tourist purposes.”
Greek authorities announced that anyone entering the country from abroad would be subject to compulsory self-quarantine for 14 days. The health ministry’s top infectious diseases official, Sotiris Tsiodras, noted that many young people were returning “from countries where there is a large spread of the virus, such as the United Kingdom, whose public health strategy is to allow the virus to spread.”
Separately Monday, the Russian government announced that it has decided to bar entry to all foreigners starting Wednesday and until May 1. The move will not apply to diplomats, foreigners permanently staying in Russia, plane and ship crews and truck drivers.
Ukraine’s president also instructed his Cabinet to close the subway, shopping malls and restaurants, cut passenger train and air links, and to ban gatherings of more than 10 people.
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Cook and Petrequin reported from Brussels. Sylvie Corbet in Paris contributed to this report.
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The Associated Press receives support for health and science coverage from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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