From December 31 (6:00 p.m.) to January 3 (6:00 a.m.) the mouth and nose protection, which was previously only necessary in public buildings and means of transport, must now also be worn on the street, as the city administration announced on Wednesday evening. “Consumption of alcohol in groups in public” is prohibited during this period, violations can be punished with a fine of 135 euros. In particularly frequented places such as the banks of the Seine and around the splendid boulevard Champs-Élysées, there is even a complete ban on alcohol on New Year’s Eve. Almost 9,000 police officers and soldiers are supposed to ensure that the tightened security rules are observed.
The planned fireworks and concert on the Champs-Élysées had already been canceled due to the increasing number of new infections. The fireworks are even canceled at the Eiffel Tower. Prime Minister Jean Castex called on prefects and municipalities across France to ban fireworks, concerts and alcohol consumption in public places on December 31st.
200,000 corona cases in one day
The number of new corona infections detected in France within one day had recently risen to more than 200,000. Health Minister Olivier Véran spoke in the National Assembly on Wednesday of “dizzying numbers” and a real “tidal wave”. Every second two people in France would test positive for the coronavirus, he said.
After Christmas, the government announced stricter corona rules. From January 15th, a 2G rule should apply in many areas of life. Tests are then no longer enough. (SDA)