France bans nationwide store, restaurant, and cafe operations... Local elections voting proceeds

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The French government announced on the 14th (local time) that it will impose a nationwide ban on the operation of restaurants, cafes, theaters, and other establishments to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to The Guardian and others, French Prime Minister ?douard Philippe held a press conference that day and said, "Until further notice, from midnight on the 15th, we have decided to close multi-use facilities that are not essential to national operations," including restaurants, cafes, cinemas, and nightclubs.

Grocery stores, tobacco shops, banks, public transportation, pharmacies, supermarkets, newspaper stands, and gas stations will continue to operate. Prime Minister Philippe said, "We clearly need to limit movement, meetings, and contact," adding, "The best way to slow the spread of the epidemic is to maintain social distancing." This measure was announced following a meeting of the National Scientific Committee.

However, the first round of local elections scheduled for the 15th will proceed as planned. The French government requested voters visiting polling stations to maintain a safe distance and to bring their own pens to use when voting at home.

As of 8 p.m. on the 14th, France reported 4,469 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 91 deaths. The French government raised the infectious disease alert level (total of 3 levels) to the highest level that evening.