France Extends Movement Restrictions Until Next Month 11th... Macron Says "COVID-19 Still Not Under Control"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The French government announced that it will extend the nationwide lockdown order, implemented to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), until May 11.

According to AFP and other sources on the 13th (local time), French President Emmanuel Macron stated in a national TV address, "We must continue the current measures, and the better we follow the (lockdown) rules, the more lives we will save."

France has been enforcing a lockdown order since April 17, banning all travel and movement except for essential reasons. President Macron admitted, "France was not sufficiently prepared for this infectious disease crisis," and said that the COVID-19 situation is improving daily thanks to the efforts of citizens and medical staff who have adhered to the lockdown order.

However, he said that they have not yet won the battle against COVID-19, adding, "If asked when we can return to normal life, I want to answer, but honestly, I do not have a definite answer." He continued, "Hospital beds remain saturated in the ?le-de-France region around the capital and the Grand Est region in the east," emphasizing that the measures taken so far must continue. He also said, "The epidemic is not yet under control," but "hope will be reborn."

President Macron announced that schools and daycare centers, which are currently closed, will gradually return to normal after May 11. However, restaurants, hotels, cafes, theaters, and other establishments will remain closed for a longer period, and restrictions on entry into France from countries outside the European Union (EU) will continue until further notice.

President Macron also emphasized, "After May 11, France will have the capacity to test all individuals with suspected symptoms for COVID-19."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.