France: Corona situation is worsening

Hanna Helder studied German language and literature at the Albert Ludwig University in Freiburg. In addition to her studies, she has gained a lot of experience in radio and print journalism through internships and freelance work. She has been at the Burda School of Journalism since October 2018 and writes, among other things, as a trainee for

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Weeks ago, the French government warned against a flare-up of the corona spread. Obviously, it did not help - the numbers continue to rise rapidly.

In France, the corona situation is worsening worryingly. The Ministry of Health spoke of an "exponential" increase. The number of patients is also increasing again in hospitals and intensive care units - albeit at a low level. At the same time, ever stricter regulations regarding the mask requirement come into force. President Emmanuel Macron warned against border closings within Europe in view of the increasing numbers.

Risk of infection increased in 21 departments

On Friday evening, the Ministry of Health counted more than 7,000 new corona infections within 24 hours. On Saturday and Sunday, the authorities then recorded a slight decrease with more than 5,000 new infections. For a few weeks now, the number of cases has been rising across the country. Doctors are therefore calling in an open letter that a mask is mandatory for everyone older than six years - especially in view of the start of school on Tuesday.

The government has now classified 21 departments in the country as risk areas. There is an increased risk of infection there. These so-called red zones are mainly - but not exclusively - on the Mediterranean coast and around the capital Paris. A travel warning from the federal government applies to the Provence-Alpes-Côte d "Azur region on the Mediterranean Sea as well as to the greater Paris area. Many fear that such a travel warning could extend to the whole of France.

Regional approach instead of closing borders

Macron reiterated on Friday that general border closings were not the right way to get the pandemic under control. Closing borders between two countries makes no sense if there are areas with active virus circulation that have been identified, he said. "Let's not repeat March's mistakes on this issue," he warned. He reminded of the numerous cross-border commuters who would be affected by general travel restrictions - even if, for example, they are not in a risk area in either of the two countries.

“I think there is still a lot to be done to improve coordination,” said Macron. It is important to identify risk areas and to take regional action against the spread of the virus. He also discussed this with Chancellor Angela Merkel (CDU) during her visit at the end of last week. Work will be done in the coming days to move forward on this point, Macron said. The border controls between Germany and France had caused considerable annoyance in the spring - especially in the border regions.

Mask compulsory even in the open air

France, meanwhile, is trying to take tightened measures against the epidemic. Since Friday, it has been mandatory to wear a mask under the open sky in all of Paris and the adjacent departments. From Saturday there will also be stricter rules in the Bas-Rhin department bordering Germany. The mask is compulsory here in communities with more than 10,000 inhabitants - this also includes the Alsace metropolis of Strasbourg. There are similar regulations elsewhere - bars in the port city of Marseille have to close at 11 p.m.

The government has recently emphasized again and again that it wants to avoid nationwide exit restrictions. It is important to take appropriate measures in so-called clusters. (hh / dpa)

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