France Considers '3rd Lockdown' Amid COVID-19 Surge

Recent Daily Average of New Confirmed Cases at 15,000 Level

On the 24th (local time), French health officials conducted COVID-19 tests on cargo truck drivers attempting to enter France at Dover Port, UK. (Photo by Reuters, Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Ji-hee] The French government is reportedly considering a nationwide third lockdown due to the resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), AFP reported on the 27th (local time).

According to the report, Olivier V?ran, Minister of Health, said in an interview, "We will not rule out a lockdown if it is for public safety," adding, "No decision has been made yet, but we are monitoring the changing situation."

In France, concerns about the resurgence are growing as the average daily number of new confirmed cases recently reached around 15,000.

Cases of the UK-origin COVID-19 variant have also been detected. The variant has been found to be more transmissible than the existing virus, leading France to close its border with the UK for 48 hours, partially allow the return of French nationals, and ease restrictions on UK-origin cargo shipments.

Meanwhile, France received its first shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines on the 26th.

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