Coronavirus cases surging up on a daily basis, Europe’s two biggest economies, France and Germany have announced partial lockdowns.
Chances of having a second wave of COVID strike during the winters, the French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel have declared a four week lockdown starting on Friday and Monday respectively.
Emmanuel Macron has stated that the existing measures and restrictions aren’t enough. All intensive care beds could be taken by COVID-19 patients unless a brake is put on the virus. In fact, people will need a certificate to move around.
Non-essential businesses, restaurants and bars will be closed in the French lockdown. But, schools and workplaces will remain open as well as care homes visits will be allowed. However, people will only be allowed outside to go to work, medical appointment, to care for a relative, shop for essential goods and for fresh air.
Nous nous relèverons.
Parce que nous sommes unis et solidaires.
Parce que nous sommes la France. pic.twitter.com/5PBc54ZnG4— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) October 28, 2020
In Germany, Angela Merkel added that restaurants, bars and clubs will also be closed in order to avoid a national health emergency. People are advised to stay home, avoid travel and keep their contacts to an absolute minimum. Social contacts to be limited to two households in public while schools and kindergartens will remain open but have to follow strict hygiene measure.
Stay home, stay safe!
