Paris to shut cafes and bars to curb Covid-19 spread as infections rise

Bars and cafes in Paris, placed on maximum coronavirus alert Monday, will be shuttered for two weeks under new measures to fight the rapid spread of the epidemic

With the rate of new infections, hospitalisations and deaths accelerating months after the lifting of a nationwide lockdown, new rules on social distancing will enter into force starting Tuesday.

“These are braking measures because the epidemic is moving too fast,” Paris police chief Didier Lallement told journalists. “From tomorrow, all bars will be closed.”

Bars and cafes have continued to draw large crowds often flouting physical distancing and mask-wearing guidelines.

Health Minister Olivier Véran announced last week that only improved Covid-19 infection rates could prevent closure of the capital city’s trademark bars and cafes [ . . . ]

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