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French PM won't rule out more restrictions as virus spikes

Jean Castex's warning came asFrench  health authorities reported about 43,000 new coronavirus infections over the weekend. 

La rédaction de Mediapart

This article is freely available.

France’s prime minister refused to rule out further local lockdowns Monday after health authorities reported about 43,000 new coronavirus infections over the weekend, reports the Associated Press.

Nine big cities, including Paris, Marseille and Lyon, have now been placed under maximum virus alert as officials warn that France is experiencing the much-feared second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic.

The path of the virus is accelerating rapidly across the country and the situation in French hospitals is deteriorating by the day. The government is issuing an appeal for volunteers on hospital front lines, including students and cooks.

“Nothing should be ruled out when we see the situation in our hospitals ... There can be no more slackening,” prime minister Jean Castex said on broadcaster France Info.

Read more of this report from the Associated Press.