FRANCE’S TOP HEALTH ADVISER WARNS 3RD LOCKDOWN MIGHT COME SOON

A third national lockdown "will probably be necessary" in France, the head of the scientific council that advises the country's leaders, has said, Euronews reported.

"If we do not tighten regulations, we will find ourselves in an extremely difficult situation from mid-March," Professor Jean-Francois Delfraissy said in an appearance on French broadcaster BFMTV, adding that this week was critical in France's fight against COVID-19.

President Emmanuel Macron's government is set to meet on Wednesday to decide whether extra measures need to be introduced.

Delfraissy called for swift government action amid rising concerns about the spread of new, more contagious variants of COVID-19 discovered in the UK, South African, Brazilian and now California.

He added that these variants "are the equivalent of a second pandemic."

Citizens in metropolitan France must currently abide by a strict nationwide curfew from 6 pm to 6 am every day, and must only leave their residence between these times for a valid reason and with an exemption certificate. Shops and services, including public libraries, are open but must be closed at 6 pm, but bars, restaurants, cinemas, theatres, museums and gyms remain closed.

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