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French minister details virus lockdown measures

French interior minister Christophe Castaner on Monday evening provided further details on the nationwide lockdown of the population announced earlier by President Emmanuel Macron, adding that 100,000 police officers would be deployed to ensure the public only left their homes for reasons that should be justified by a written statement, downloaded from an official website and signed, or face a fine of up to 135 euros. 

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France will deploy 100,000 police officers to ensure that people abide by restrictions on movement to avoid the spread of coronavirus, its interior minister has said, reports BBC News.

Christophe Castaner said people who venture outside their homes will have to justify their reason for doing so.

Speaking at a news conference, he said people may be fined if they break the rules.

Exceptions will be made in some circumstances, including for travel between home and work, Mr Castaner said.

"Too many people still disregard the health instructions given," Mr Castaner said.

His announcement comes after French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a series of drastic new measures designed to stem the spread of coronavirus.

From Tuesday, people should stay at home unless they are buying groceries, travelling to work, exercising or seeking medical care, Mr Macron said.

Read more of this report in a series global updates on the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak from BBC News.